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Risk and protective markers for well-being in Latinx immigrants in removal proceedings
Cassandra A Bailey1, Amanda Venta1, Jorge Varela1
1Department of Psychology, Sam Houston State University.
Law and Human Behavior
|August 5, 2021
Summary
Social support positively impacts the well-being of Latinx immigrants in removal proceedings. However, religious and legal support unexpectedly acted as risk factors, highlighting the need for targeted interventions for hopelessness and self-efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Immigration and Mental Health
- Psychological Well-being
- Social Determinants of Health
Background:
- Over 1.3 million immigrants face removal proceedings, with Latinx individuals disproportionately affected.
- Latinx immigrants in removal proceedings experience significant emotional and physical health challenges.
- Understanding protective factors is crucial for supporting this vulnerable population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between social, religious, and legal support and the well-being of Latinx immigrants in removal proceedings.
- To test the hypothesis that these supports buffer negative impacts of hopelessness and low self-efficacy.
- To identify key factors for improving mental and physical health outcomes in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 157 Latinx immigrants with active immigration court cases in Texas.
- Participants completed validated scales measuring hopelessness, self-efficacy, social support, religious support, and various well-being indicators (mental, physical, depression, anxiety, stress, somatic symptoms).
- Statistical analyses were used to assess the associations and interactions between support systems and well-being outcomes.
Main Results:
- Higher hopelessness and lower self-efficacy correlated with poorer well-being outcomes.
- Greater social support was linked to better well-being.
- Religious and legal support unexpectedly acted as risk markers; legal support showed complex interactions with hopelessness and self-efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Promoting social support and addressing hopelessness and poor self-efficacy are key strategies for mental health professionals.
- The findings suggest a need for nuanced approaches to religious and legal support interventions.
- Further research is needed to understand the complex roles of different support systems in immigrant well-being.
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