Trauma Exposure and Trauma Symptoms as Predictors of Police Perceptions in Latinx Youths

Objective: The Latinx immigrant youth population composes nearly a quarter of all children in the U.S. and are a high-risk group for police encounters. Based on perceptions of Latinxs as criminals, increased enforcement actions against Latinxs in the U.S., and failures of policing and police brutality in immigrants’ home countries, we expected that immigrants who reported increased trauma exposure and symptoms would have more negative perceptions of police. Method: This study utilized data from 107 recently immigrated Latinx youth to examine how trauma exposure (Child Trauma Screen) and symptoms (Child PTSD Symptoms Scale) related to perceptions of police (Criminal Sentiments Scale–Modified). Results: Consistent with the proposed hypotheses, trauma symptoms evidenced a significant main effect in relation to perceptions of police, B = .115, t = 2.35; p = .021, such that greater trauma symptoms were associated with more negative perceptions of law enforcement. Though trauma exposure did not evidence a significant main effect in relation to perceptions of police, B = .254, t = 1.46; p = .146, moderation analyses indicated that trauma exposure was associated with more negative perceptions of police, B = −.019, t = −2.08; p = .040. However, this interaction effect indicated that when both trauma symptoms and trauma exposure were high, less negative perceptions of police were observed. Conclusion: The present study provides novel data on police perceptions in young Latinx immigrants. Findings highlight the need for improved community relations and culturally responsive strategies between law enforcement and communities of color. (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved

When the United States says you do not belong: Suicide-related thoughts and behaviors among immigrant young adults varying in immigration legal status

Background: The number of immigrants in the United States and the risk of suicide among minoritized individuals have increased. Little research has examined the impact of immigration legal status on suicide-related thoughts and behaviors (SRTB), despite theoretical and empirical work suggesting that feelings of burdensomeness and failure to belong (prominent among immigrants) are risk factors. Methods: We examined a diverse sample of foreign-born young adults (18–25; N = 366). Data collection utilized the Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire Revised and items probing belongingness and immigration status (undocumented/Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), permanent, and citizen). Results: DACA/undocumented status was associated with increased SRTB compared with permanent and citizen categories. Increased SRTBs were associated with reduced feelings of acceptance in the United States, increased deportation fears, and increased fear of being harassed or hurt. Of these belongingness variables, only the interpersonal—not feeling welcome in the United States—partially mediated the risk relation between DACA/undocumented immigration legal status and SRTBs, whereas physical and legal threat, like deportation, did not. Conclusions: Our results highlight the interpersonal nature of SRTB risk in DACA/undocumented immigrants and the need for targeted culture and context-appropriate interventions, as well as advocacy and policy to reduce risk in this historically marginalized population

Predictors of Routine Medical Care Use among Mexican Immigrants/Mexican-Americans Varying in Legal Status

Background: Immigration has been the focus of intense political debate, with a recurrent theme being the use of public services, including healthcare. Although Latinos are the largest and fastest growing ethnic group in the United States (U.S.), evidence suggests they underutilize healthcare, with Mexican Immigrants and Mexican Americans (MI-MA) living on the U.S.-Mexico border exhibiting the greatest disparities. Objective: This study explored the association of predisposing, enabling and need characteristics, including legal status, with the use of routine medical care (RMC) among 387 MI-MA living on the California-Mexico border. Methods: This cross-sectional study used data collected in 2009 for the San Diego Prevention Research Center (SDPRC) community survey; data analyses were completed in Summer 2012. This study involved multistage sampling and recruitment of Latino adults in 200 census blocks near the California-Mexico border to complete an interview and height and weight measurements. Sequential logistic regressions assessed the relative contribution of predisposing, enabling and need factors to the use of RMC. Results: Predisposing and enabling factors (gender, undocumented status, cost) distinguished between respondents with recent (<1 year) versus limited (≥ 5 years including never) use of RMC, whereas enabling and need factors (insurance, dispositional trust, presence of a chronic illness) adequately differentiated between those with recent versus delayed (≥1 year, but <5 years) use. Undocumented status distinguished between those with delayed versus limited use of RMC. Conclusions: Consideration of different factors, including financial difficulties and legal status, is necessary for promoting use of RMC among MI-MA living in this border region.Contexte : L'immigration est au cœur de débats politiques intenses, dont l'un des thèmes récurrents est l'utilisation des services publics, et notamment des soins de santé. Bien que les Latinos constituent le groupe ethnique le plus important et connaissant la croissance la plus rapide des Etats-Unis, les données semblent indiquer qu'ils sous-utilisent les services de santé, les immigrés mexicains et les Américano-Mexicains (IM-AM) vivant à la frontière américano-mexicaine affichant les plus fortes disparités. Objectif : Cette étude a exploré les liens entre les facteurs prédisposants, favorables et de nécessité, dont le statut juridique, et l'utilisation des soins médicaux courants (SMC) chez 387 IM-AM vivant à la frontière entre la Californie et le Mexique. Méthodes : Cette étude transversale s'est fondée sur les données recueillies en 2009 dans le cadre de l'enquête communautaire du San Diego Prevention Research Center (SDPRC), dont l'analyse s'est achevée à l'été 2012. Cette étude prévoyait un échantillonnage à plusieurs degrés et le recrutement d'adultes latinos dans 200 îlots de recensement situés à proximité de la frontière entre la Californie et le Mexique, afin de les interroger et de relever des mesures de taille et de poids. Des modèles de régression logistique séquentielle ont permis d’évaluer la contribution relative des facteurs prédisposants, favorables et de nécessité à l'utilisation des SMC.  Résultats : Les facteurs prédisposants et favorables (sexe, statut non documenté, coût) faisaient la différence entre les répondants ayant récemment (<1 an) ou peu (≥ 5 ans ou jamais) eu recours aux SMC, tandis que les facteurs favorables et de nécessité (assurance, prédisposition à faire confiance, présence de maladie chronique) distinguaient convenablement ceux qui avaient récemment eu recours aux SMC de ceux qui y avaient eu recours tardivement (≥1 an, mais <5 ans). Le statut non documenté faisait la différence entre ceux qui avaient tardivement ou peu eu recours aux SMC. Conclusions : La prise en compte des différents facteurs, y compris des difficultés financières et du statut légal, est nécessaire pour encourager l'utilisation des SMC chez les IM-AM vivant dans cette région frontalière.Antecedentes: La inmigración es objeto de un intenso debate político en el que uno de los temas recurrentes es el uso de los servicios públicos, entre ellos la atención sanitaria. Aunque los latinos constituyen el grupo étnico más numeroso y de más rápido crecimiento en Estados Unidos, las pruebas indican que no utilizan lo suficiente las instituciones de asistencia sanitaria. Son los inmigrantes mexicanos y los estadounidenses de origen mexicano que viven en la frontera entre Estados Unidos y México los que mayores disparidades muestran al respecto.  Objetivo: Este estudio analizó la asociación existente entre las características de los predisponentes, facilitadores y factores de necesidad, como el estado legal, y el uso de la asistencia médica rutinaria entre 387 estadounidenses de origen mexicano residentes en la frontera de California con México. Métodos: Este estudio transversal utilizó los datos recopilados en 2009 para un estudio comunitario del Centro de Investigación para la Prevención en San Diego (SDPRC), y el análisis de los datos se llevó a cabo en verano de 2012. Se realizaron muestreos en diferentes fases y se reclutaron adultos latinos en bloques censales de 200 cerca de la frontera mexicana con California para completar una entrevista y realizar mediciones de peso y altura. Las regresiones logísticas secuenciales evaluaron la contribución relativa de los predisponentes, facilitadotes y factores de necesidad al uso de la atención médica rutinaria.  Resultados: Los predisponentes y facilitadores (género, situación ilegal o “sin papeles”, coste) variaron entre los participantes entre un uso reciente (<1 año) o limitado (≥ 5 años, o nunca) de la atención médica rutinaria, mientras que los facilitadotes y factores de necesidad (seguro, confianza, presencia de enfermedad crónica) se diferenciaron de forma adecuada entre un uso reciente o retardado (≥1 año, pero <5 años). El estado de indocumentado se diferenció igualmente entre un uso retardado o limitado de la asistencia médica rutinaria. Conclusiones: Es necesario tener en cuenta factores diversos, como las dificultades económicas y la situación jurídica, para promover el uso de la asistencia médica rutinaria entre los estadounidenses de origen mexicano que residen en esta región fronteriza

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

The topic of immigration is timely yet polarizing. By definition, to be an immigrant implies being in a state of transition and transformation. The eventual outcome is likely to be influenced by a series of contextual factors starting in the country of origin, continuing during the migration journey, and culminating in receiving communities. The authors use a fictional case example of a Central American immigrant woman to illustrate VALOR, the Spanish word for courage, as an acronym that identifies five key areas for clinical consideration in behavioral health settings: Values, Arrival in the United States, Losses, Obstacles to care, and Resources. VALOR offers guidance for a culturally informed assessment critical for mental health clinicians. Implications for culturally affirming treatment directions including advocacy, community linkage, and attention to trauma and unresolved grief are woven into the discussion

One more wall to cross: The role of psychologists in addressing integrated health among undocumented Latinx immigrants in inpatient medical settings

Over the past decade, there has been increased attention to the benefits of an integrated health-care care model in which psychologists play a vital role collaborating with other health providers to deliver services in inpatient medical settings, such as emergency departments and acute care medical units. Psychologists working in inpatient medical settings can facilitate access to mental health services and referrals, reduce mental health stigma, improve health outcomes associated with insight into psychosocial factors that affect health and illness, improve communication between patients and providers, and increase sensitivity in addressing the health needs of diverse patients. Psychological services in inpatient medical units can be particularly valuable for marginalized populations, such as undocumented Latinx immigrants, who may not otherwise have access to services that can address the compounded effect that psychosocial stressors may have on their physical health. We illustrate the critical role that psychologists can play in inpatient medical settings to address the complex health needs of Latinx immigrants. In this case study, an undocumented young woman presented to an emergency department with acute liver failure. We focus on psychologists\u27 specific contributions as part of the integrated medical team and how it may have impacted treatment effectiveness. We also provide practical assessment and treatment recommendations, along with proposing advocacy efforts to facilitate access to culture and context sensitive treatments for undocumented immigrants with complex health issues. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

Lessons Learned From Undocumented Latinx Immigrants: How to Build Resilience and Overcome Distress in the Face of Adversity

Living under chronic uncertainty, fear, and isolation is the experience of many undocumented immigrants particularly under the recent sociopolitical climate. Yet, despite facing chronic adversity and an uncertain future, undocumented immigrants are highly resilient. This paper draws upon the clinical and research expertise of leading Latinx psychologists working with diverse undocumented communities across the United States. Qualitative data from seven focus groups with undocumented Latinxs and 15 in-depth interviews with key informants were used to complement clinical insights to identify and highlight strategies of undocumented Latinxs that promote their resilience. Overall, six primary strategies emerged including cognitive reframing, behavioral adaptability, acceptance, sociability, courage, and ancestral or cultural pride. Within each of these primary strategies, two-to-five additional facets emerged. We also identified the positive effects of the aforementioned strategies, including the fostering of meaning, purpose, and hope. Our findings are essential to address biases and stigmatization against undocumented immigrants, as well as to inform strength-based interventions and services, as well as culturally and contextually sensitive resources. Health services providers working with undocumented Latinxs can identify and build on strengths in their patients to demonstrate accurate cultural understanding and also to support resilience

Teaching DBT Skills to DACA Recipients and their Families: Findings from an ECHO Program

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) offers temporary administrative relief from deportation for undocumented immigrant adolescents and young adults who were brought as children to the United States. Accordingly, DACA has contributed to creating a different landscape of opportunities for this group. However, DACA has been and continues to be highly contested in the national political climate. Threats to DACA give rise to considerable anxiety, fear, and distress among its recipients, who face significant barriers to accessing mental health care services. Thus, a group of psychologists partnered with a leading immigrant rights advocacy organization and formed a reciprocal collaboration to understand and meet the mental health needs of undocumented communities. A major focus of the collaboration is to foster learning and support members of the immigrant community in contributing to their own well-being. The collaborative developed and delivered a stand-alone web-based mental health education session to DACA recipients and their families and practitioners serving this population. The session presented the use of dialectical behavioral therapy skills, three emotion regulation and four distress tolerance skills, as a strength-based approach to managing painful emotions and distress. Session content was adapted to include culturally informed examples for each skill. Quantitative and qualitative findings show that those who participated in the web-based program benefited from the education received. Findings also underscored participants’ need for learning culturally sensitive coping strategies for managing stress. We provide recommendations on the delivery of culturally congruent healing interventions for immigrants with a focus on enhancing access among immigrant communities

An Exploratory Study of Healing Circles as a Strategy to Facilitate Resilience in an Undocumented Community

Within the United States, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted critical inequalities affecting undocumented communities and resulting in particularly heightened stress for members of these communities. In addition to the stress associated with COVID-19, immigrants in the United States were more than ever subjected to a hostile antiimmigrant climate under Trump’s administration. Given this compounded stress, the impact of the pandemic on mental health is likely to be disproportionately experienced by undocumented immigrants. In response, a group of psychologists partnered with a leading immigrant rights advocacy organization and formed a reciprocal collaboration to support undocumented communities. A major focus of the collaboration is to foster learning, supporting members of the immigrant community to contribute to their own well-being and others in the community. Accordingly, the collaborative developed and delivered a web-based mental health education session to the immigrant community and to practitioners serving this population. The session presented the use of healing circles as a strength-based approach to building resilience and also sought feedback regarding specific features of healing circles that can enhance their effectiveness in managing distress. Survey data and qualitative findings from this study show that those who participated in the web-based program perceived the session as validating and informative. Findings also underscored the need for creating safe spaces for community members to be vulnerable about their lived experiences while promoting ownership of their narratives. We discuss practical implications pertaining to the development and facilitation of social support groups for immigrants led by nonspecialist community members trained for this role. Impact Statement We describe a reciprocal collaboration between psychologists and an immigrant-led advocacy organization for the purposes of supporting undocumented immigrants in tailoring culturally congruent therapeutic approaches for fostering resilience as they face multiple stressors due to interlocking crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and antiimmigrant policies. The collaboration led to the development and delivery of a web-based session that provided immigrant community members and practitioners with recommendations for facilitating healing circles as a strength-based and culturally responsive approach to fostering peer-led social support during stressful times. Findings highlight the need for creating such safe spaces for community members to be vulnerable about their lived experiences and feel validated

‘Remain In Mexico’: Stories Of Trauma And Abuse

Two families’ stories—a separation at the border and an assault in a migrant shelter—show the horrific dimensions of US migration policy