Family separation and parent–child relationships among Latinx immigrant youth.

Abstract

During the migration process, Latinx immigrant youth often experience prolonged periods of separation from their families for a range of reasons. Family separation can have numerous harmful effects on children’s well-being, but little is known about how separation might affect the quality of the parent–child relationship, an important protective factor, particularly for adolescents. This study examined the relationship between immigration-related family separation and the quality of the parent–child relationship in a community-based sample of 716 Latinx immigrant adolescents. Sixty percent of the sample reported separation from either or both parents as a result of immigration. Independent of covariates, and compared to youth who were not separated from a parent, youth who reported experiencing immigration-related separation from their mother were 4.7 times as likely to report poor relationship quality with their mother, and those reporting separation from their fathers were 3.4 times as likely to report poor relationship quality with their father. Implications for policy and interventions are discussed.

Seeking Safety and Humanity in the Harshest Immigration Climate in a Generation: A Review of the Literature on the Effects of Separation and Detention on Migrant and Asylum‐Seeking Children and Families in the United States during the Trump Administration

“…Reports of children reunifying with their parents after the family separation policy officially ended in 2018 documented similar responses: many children were withdrawn and disoriented, screamed and cried, or did not recognize their parents (Jordan, Benner, Nixon, & Dickerson, 2018). The effects of interrupted attachment may be lasting; a recent study found that, controlling for covariates, Latinx adolescents who had ever experienced immigration‐related parental separation were significantly more likely to report poor relationship quality with the parent from whom they had been separated (Conway, Roy, Choque, & Lewin, 2020).…”

VALOR: Cultural considerations when assessing Central American immigrant women in behavioral health settings.

“…Women who have made the choice to separate from their families of origin, and particularly from their children, have been found to exhibit depressive symptoms and ambivalence associated with their decision (McGuire & Martin, 2007; Miranda et al, 2005). The length of the separation is often underestimated at the outset, and mother–child ties are strained as children are left with other caregivers, form new attachments, and grow up grieving their absent parent (Conway et al, 2020). Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the migration, it is not uncommon for children and adolescents to experience negative feelings associated with the separation from their caregivers and be at increased risk for depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems (Conway et al, 2020; Mitrani et al, 2004).…”

“…The length of the separation is often underestimated at the outset, and mother–child ties are strained as children are left with other caregivers, form new attachments, and grow up grieving their absent parent (Conway et al, 2020). Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the migration, it is not uncommon for children and adolescents to experience negative feelings associated with the separation from their caregivers and be at increased risk for depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems (Conway et al, 2020; Mitrani et al, 2004). Findings from a study of Latinx immigrant youth (84% of the sample from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras) revealed that immigrant adolescents with experiences of migration-related parent separations were more likely to report poor relationships with their mothers and fathers (Conway et al, 2020).…”

“…Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the migration, it is not uncommon for children and adolescents to experience negative feelings associated with the separation from their caregivers and be at increased risk for depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems (Conway et al, 2020; Mitrani et al, 2004). Findings from a study of Latinx immigrant youth (84% of the sample from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras) revealed that immigrant adolescents with experiences of migration-related parent separations were more likely to report poor relationships with their mothers and fathers (Conway et al, 2020). Consequently, providers are encouraged to inquire about any migration-related separations from children, the duration of the separation, the circumstances surrounding reunification (if applicable), and the perceived quality of the current parent–child relationship.…”

“Se extraña todo:” Family separation and reunification experiences among unaccompanied adolescent migrants from Central America

“…Alternatively, they may be temporarily left behind by one or more parents with the expectation of reuniting later in the United States (Smith, Lalonde, & Johnson, 2004). In most cases, the UAMs will be cared for by a surrogate caregiver and may spend many years with them prior to reuniting with parents (Conway et al, 2020). After entering the United States, immigrant youth may also experience an involuntary separation from parents or other relatives who were their travel companions, as a result of government detainment practices (Dreby, 2015).…”