Impact of household composition and family functioning on health of Hispanic mothers in mental health treatment: A secondary analysis study

Accessible summary What is known on the subject? Mothers with mental health problems are at risk of well‐being and experience lack of support. There is little research focusing on the effect of household composition on health of Hispanic mothers with mental illness. As the family is a central feature in Hispanic lives and there is a high dependence on the family for help, it is crucial to understand how household composition and family functioning influences Hispanic mothers’ health and well‐being. What does the paper adds to existing knowledge? Living with at least one other adult in the household are related to better Hispanic mothers’ physical and psychological health. Mothers living with a greater number of adult in the house are more likely to have fatigue and depression. More family hassles are associated with worse health outcomes in Hispanic mothers with mental health problems What are the implications for practice? There is a need to assess family members who are supportive to Hispanic mothers and to address families’ basic needs in the intervention. Interventions for Hispanic mothers with mental health problems should be grounded in supporting the strengths of the Hispanic familial networks. A family‐centred approach for mothers with mental health problems requires integrated assessments and interventions including the families as units. Introduction Household composition is seen as a critical factor for recovery of Hispanic mothers with mental illness, but little research has examined the relationship of household composition and health. Aim This study examined how household composition and family functioning impact on both physical and psychological health of Hispanic mothers receiving outpatient mental health services. Method The study analysed baseline data of 137 Hispanic mothers participating in a randomized trial of “Healthy Home,” a family‐strengthening home health intervention. A bilingual (English/Spanish) research assessor interviewed participants regarding household composition, family hassles, family cohesion and mother's physical and psychological health. Results Mothers living with at least one other adult and having fewer family hassles had better health outcomes. Mothers living with a greater number of adult in the house were more likely to have fatigue and depression. Discussion Hispanic mothers having no adults to help them in the house are less able to maintain their physical and psychological health. A family‐centred approach for mothers requires integrated assessments and interventions including the families as units. Implication for practice Interventions for Hispanic mothers with mental health problems should be grounded in supporting the values and strengths of the Hispanic familial networks

The influence of acculturation processes on the family

The purpose of this chapter is to present some of the empirically established core family processes; the values, beliefs, and behaviors that may change with acculturation; the intrafamilial stressors that may result from immigration and acculturation processes; and the breakdowns that are often at the core of families seeking treatment. Specific internal family processes are discussed with reference to how they are influenced by acculturation processes, including leadership and guidance, bonding and communication, conflict resolution, individual and system development, and emotional and physical closeness or distance. From a therapy effectiveness perspective, the chapter includes examples of how investigation of acculturation processes and the family's values orientation may play a pivotal role in predicting patients' responses to commonly used psychotherapy interventions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2009 APA, all rights reserved

Structural Ecosystems Therapy (SET) for Women with HIV/AIDS

This chapter contains sections titled: Case of Emily J.: Initiation Phase Case of Emily J.: Treatment Phase Diagnosis: Mapping and Evaluating the Ecosystem Treatment Planning Restructuring: Changing Interactional Patterns Case of Emily J.: Termination Phase The Evidence for SET's Effectiveness Reference

Factors Related to Loss of Child Custody in HIV+ Women in Drug Abuse Recovery

Background: Mothers who are dually-diagnosed with HIV/ AIDS and drug abuse are particularly burdened and vulnerable to loss of child custody. Objectives: This study explores factors associated with child custody loss among HIV+ women in drug abuse recovery, and compares mothers who have custody of their children to mothers who do not have custody of all of their children. Methods: Descriptive analyses were conducted on 68 HIV+ mothers in drug recovery, 46% who had custody of all of their children, and 54% who did not. Results: The lost-custody group was less likely to be employed and had more history of violent impulses and arrest, particularly on drug charges. The groups reported similar recent and lifetime drug use patterns, but the custody group had received more drug treatment. Post-hoc analyses found the lost-custody group had lower rates of participation in the interventions offered in the parent clinical trial and higher avoidant coping. Conclusions: The sample in the current study supports that HIV+ women in drug recovery are at high risk of loss of child custody. Non-adherence to available treatment seems to be associated with loss of child custody. Scientific significance: Results suggest the need for further research and active treatment outreach for this population

Conflict Resolution and Distress in Dementia Caregiver Families: Comparison of Cubans and White Non-Hispanics

This study investigated the role of family conflict resolution as a mediator of the relationship between ethnicity and psychological distress in dementia caregivers. The sample was composed of the families of 182 caregivers who participated in REACH (Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer’s Caregiver Health). The sample consisted of 84 Cuban American and 98 non-Hispanic White American families. Mediation analyses revealed that both income and conflict resolution partially mediated the relationship between ethnicity and caregiver psychological distress. Specifically, Cuban American families were less likely than non-Hispanic White families to reach a resolution to their disagreements, which may have rendered the caregiver at greater risk for psychological distress. These results suggest that Cuban American caregivers may benefit from interventions that improve the family’s ability to resolve conflicts

Integrating the study of ethnic culture and family psychology intervention science

The purpose of this chapter is to provide a framework that highlights the links between the study of ethnicity and the study of family processes and therapy. In this chapter, the authors (1) define what they mean by ethnicity, race, and culture; (2) present the ethnicity-related dimensions that are most proximal to the understanding of family functioning and their links to family intervention science; (3) discuss how these dimensions change with acculturation and how the process of acculturation affects the family; and (4) articulate ethnic minority life experiences (i.e., immigration-related separations and racial discrimination) that are critical to understanding the attitudes and behavior families from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Throughout this chapter the authors weave the available literature with the experience of their 25-year program of clinical research with Hispanic, African American, and Haitian families. Recommendations on how the field can continue to develop knowledge in this critically important area are included. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2009 APA, all rights reserved