Psychological adjustment among young Puerto Rican mothers: Perceived partner support and the moderating role of Latino cultural orientation.

Abstract

Adolescent mothers face multiple stressors and are at risk for experiencing high levels of depressive symptoms and parenting stress. This study examined the interplay of Latino cultural orientation and perceived support from romantic partners in protecting the adjustment of young, low-income, Puerto Rican mothers (N = 103; M age = 18.0 yrs; SD = 1.2) during the second year postpartum. In multivariate analyses, perceived partner support was uniquely and negatively associated with both maternal depressive symptoms and parenting stress. However, in the case of parenting stress, this association was moderated by mothers’ Latino cultural orientation. Perceived partner support was related to less parenting stress when mothers endorsed a relatively strong Latino cultural orientation; perceived partner support was no longer protective at low levels of Latino orientation. The implications for intervention and for the understanding of the role of culture in social support processes within close relationships are discussed.

Social support and strain and emotional distress among Latinos in the northeastern United States

“…Additionally, our findings extend the literature indicating the negative impact that partner strain can have on emotional states in this population. Given the effort often dedicated to maintaining partner relationships, the diminished self-worth and devalued identity following the failure of a romantic relationship [ 39 ], and the mutual commitments (e.g., children, acquaintances, and material possessions) that partners share, partner strain among adults of all ages can potentially exacerbate negative mental health outcomes compared to the other two relationship types. 1…”

“…Previous studies with Latino populations have suggested that family support may offer coping mechanisms against life’s difficulties, buffering the risk of emotional distress [ 46 , 47 ], while family and partner strain may exacerbate life stressors [ 39 , 48 ]. Familial support may furthermore provides a safe space for individuals to discuss concerns and problems, particularly following disturbing events [ 48 – 50 ].…”

“…In particular, family, friend, and partner networks are highly valued, more so than other networks (like colleagues), due to the closeness of family (biological and partnership) relationships and the emphasis on family and friend loyalty [ 28 , 36 , 38 ]. Given the centrality of interpersonal relationships in Latino cultures [ 13 , 28 , 38 ] and the high rates of emotional distress among Latinos in the US [ 4 , 5 , 36 , 39 ], further examination of the associations between social support and strain and emotional distress, particularly ataque de nervios, is warranted.…”

Infants’ Biological Sensitivity to the Effects of Maternal Social Support: Evidence Among Mexican American Families

“…Mexican‐origin individuals report higher familismo and family support than non‐Hispanic White individuals (Almeida, Molnar, Kawachi, & Subramanian, ). In general, familismo values and family support positively impact Mexican‐origin and Hispanic adults’ well‐being (Grau et al., ), particularly for low acculturated adults living in poverty (Landale, Oropesa, & Bradatan, ). Relevant to the perinatal period, higher family support has been associated with healthier maternal behaviors during pregnancy (Harley & Eskenazi, ) and better infant physical health (Sherraden & Barrera, ).…”

Experience and social support needs of becoming a mother in adolescence in Yogyakarta City

“…All the adolescent mothers who were involved in the study admitted that they still have the desire to be able to gather and play with friends as before. In addition they also miss the times when they have al (14) found that the support received from a partner in a sustainable manner may reduce the pressure in being a mother at a young age. In addition support from couples to be a protective support for teenage psychic mothers.…”