Age Cohort, Ancestry, and Immigrant Generation Influences in Family Relations and Psychological Well‐Being among Black Caribbean Family Members

Abstract

Immigration is contributing to the U.S. population becoming increasingly ethnically diverse. This article examines the role of family relations and well-being among different generations of Black Caribbean immigrants. Family disruptions, such as migration, can have complex effects on the support networks and emotional well-being of family members. Data from a recently completed national study of American Blacks in the United States, however, reveal significant similarities across ancestry and immigrant status in family contact, solidarity and well-being. It is concluded that intrafamilial relations may serve to overcome barriers of geographical distance in providing comparable levels of contact, solidarity, and well-being for both U.S.-born and immigrant Black Caribbean family members of different generations.Because of the increasing numbers of immigrant elders, these sources of family support will become increasingly more important in bridging the gaps between government resources and needed assistance in an aging society.The dramatic increase in life expectancy has contributed to people living in more complex family structures, having greater geographical mobility, new

Family and friendship informal support networks and social anxiety disorder among African Americans and Black Caribbeans

“…These findings can also be understood in the context of work showing that family and friendship networks are important for Black Caribbeans’ subjective well-being [66]. While some have speculated that family relationships may be less tied to mental health for Black Caribbeans due to the fact that familial networks are more spread out geographically, research shows that family ties are actually extremely important for Caribbean Blacks in the U.S., and that these close ties endure even across long distances [66,19].…”

“…Previous research indicates that although Black Caribbean support networks are more geographically dispersed, amount of contact and closeness are still high [19] and, further, better network relationships are related to higher levels of well-being [66]. Caribbean immigrants often have kinship networks that include family members in the United States, Canada, Europe and the Caribbean [67,38].…”

“…While some have speculated that family relationships may be less tied to mental health for Black Caribbeans due to the fact that familial networks are more spread out geographically, research shows that family ties are actually extremely important for Caribbean Blacks in the U.S., and that these close ties endure even across long distances [66,19]. Given the importance of close relationships for Black Caribbean mental health, the finding that poor family and frienship relationships are associated with an increased risk for SAD is not surprising.…”

Afro-Caribbean Mothers in the U.S.: An Exploratory Study From a Transnational Feminist Perspective

“…The family is also an important unit of analysis 414 B. Muruthi et al for cultural scholars who outline similarities and differences within and between different social groups (Jackson, Forsythe- Brown, & Govia, 2007). Family dynamics such as matrifocality, extended family, and parenting practices are vital components of Afro-Caribbean families.…”

A Differential Item Functional Analysis by Age of Perceived Interpersonal Discrimination in a Multi-racial/ethnic Sample of Adults

“…Although the Black Caribbeans in this sample are not homogenous with respect to country of origin and time spent in the US, the lack of differential item function among Black Caribbeans may in part be due to the socialization about discrimination in the US from family members in the US regardless of age. 23 Future research should further explore this particular issue, especially among US and foreign-born Black Caribbeans.…”