ACE’S and Psychological Outcomes Among Recently Arrived Latinx Immigrant Youth in the Southeastern US

• In Event: Poster Session 11
  In Poster Session: PS 11 Topic - Race, Ethnicity, Culture, Context

Abstract

An estimated 11 million undocumented Latinx immigrants currently reside in the United States (U.S.) and approximately 1.8 million of those individuals are below the age of 18 (Benuto et. al., 2018; Clark-Ibáñez, 2015). For many young individuals, the process of immigrating to the U.S. can be traumatic, as they may face a variety of hardships coming from their home countries (e.g crossing deserts and swimming through rivers; Salas et al., 2013). In addition to hardships faced in their home countries, as immigrant youth arrive in the U.S., many still face challenges post-migration (e.g. racism, discrimination, poverty, language barriers) that can further affect their mental health (Torres-Fernández et. al., 2017). Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are found in individuals that have been exposed to abuse, violence, and/or have experienced family dysfunction in early adolescence which impacts their overall well-being and mental health in adulthood (Felitti et. al., 2019). It has been reported that ACEs are associated with changes in biological processes that have an effect on the health and well-being of individuals (e.g. allostatic load, accelerated aging, and hypertension due to stress; Danese & McEwen, 2012). Current research has found that ACEs are found across many U.S. populations, but there is still little information on Latinx immigrant youth (Felitti et. al., 2019; Vaughn et. al., 2015). Some studies on Latinx immigrant youth have reported that those who migrate to the U.S. at a young age are at an increased risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and are at risk for substance use behaviors (Torres Fernández et. al., 2017; Caballero et. al. 2017). Given the immigration experience may meet criteria for ACEs, limited research has examined cultural differences to psychological impacts and health outcomes of different migration phases (e.g. pre- and post-migration; Vaughn et. al., 2015). This qualitative study aims to highlight the overall health and psychological outcomes (e.g stress, fear, anxiety, etc.) from post-migration among thirty (age range between 18-32) Latinx immigrant youth in a Southeastern state of the U.S. Using thematic analysis (Moreno & Cardemil, 2018), preliminary data suggests that different methods of migration have different impacts on mental health. Those that crossed the border reported more feelings of stress, anxiety, and sadness compared to those that immigrated to the U.S by plane. Additionally, it was found that individuals that immigrated and did not have a form of permanent residency reported experiencing more stress and anxiety than those that immigrated and had a form of permanent residency. Further data on psychological and health outcomes including future advocacy and clinical implications will be discussed.

Authors

• Jennifer Argueta-Contreras, Georgetown University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Jennifer Rodriguez, Virginia Commonwealth University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Lisa S. Fuentes, Virginia Commonwealth University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Isis Garcia-Rodriguez, Virginia Commonwealth University
  Presenting Author

• Oswaldo Moreno, Virginia Commonwealth University
  Non-Presenting Author