Potential for intergenerational conflict in Cuban and Haitian immigrant families

A descriptive survey of 30 Cuban and 30 Haitian immigrant mothers describes and differentiates the families within the two cultural groups on: (a) sociodemographic characteristics; (b) concepts of children; and (c) childrearing beliefs and practices related to independence training, sex role development, and discipline patterns. Results indicate the two groups have similar sociodemographic characteristics but differ on qualities admired in boys and girls, career expectations held for their children, social autonomy allowed male and female children, and methods used to instill proper sex role behavior. Findings suggest the existing potential for intergenerational conflict in families within immigrant groups whose language and cultural beliefs differ from those of the culture into which they have entered and are acculturating. Implications for care indicate a need for psychiatric mental health nurse (PMH nurses) to use the principles of cultural brokerage for intervention in and prevention of intergenerational conflict. Emphasis is placed on the development of transcultural interventions designed to empower immigrant parents to address the real or perceived conflicting childrearing beliefs and practices held between their original culture and the culture into which they are acculturating.