The process of immigration exerts a profound impact on the mental well-being of children, shaping their transformative journey. When children adapt to a new country, they encounter a range of unique stressors that can significantly influence their overall health and well-being. These stressors include language barriers, cultural adjustments, separation from family and familiar support systems, experiences of discrimination, assimilation difficulties, and the pressure to navigate unfamiliar educational systems. The cumulative effect of these challenges can profoundly impact their mental health and overall development.
It is important to establish a nurturing and supportive environment that prioritizes the emotional well-being of immigrant children. By recognizing and understanding these obstacles, we can develop strategies and interventions that foster positive mental health outcomes and promote resilience. Equipping children with the necessary tools, resources, and social support networks empowers them to overcome these challenges and build resilience.
The number of immigrants entering the United States has experienced a significant surge over the past few decades, leading to profound societal shifts. According to a 2016 report from The National Academies of Sciences and Medicine, immigrants accounted for approximately 13% of the US population in 2014, equivalent to about 42 million people. These immigrants play a crucial role in contributing to the country’s cultural fabric, diversity, and overall productivity and economic growth. Projections indicate that by 2060, immigrant populations in the United States are expected to reach 22% of the total population (Colby SL, Ortman JM, 2014). These demographic trends underscore the increasing importance of understanding the impact of immigration on the psychological well-being of immigrant children.
One intriguing phenomenon observed in research studies is the “immigrant paradox.” This phenomenon is characterized by poorer mental and physical health outcomes observed in second-generation and 1.5-generation immigrants, despite being born or raised in the United States. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced among second-generation Latin Americans, who face significantly higher rates of suicide attempts and marijuana use compared to their counterparts. Several factors contribute to the immigrant paradox.
One key factor is the difficulty of fitting in. Children born in the U.S. to immigrant parents often struggle to establish their identity, feeling caught between two cultures and experiencing a sense of not fully belonging to either. This challenge can lead to emotional and psychological stress.
Another factor is the acculturation gap within families. Second-generation immigrants tend to adopt a new culture and language faster than their parents. This can create tensions and conflicts within the family unit as cultural differences in values, beliefs, and expectations emerge.
Racism and discrimination also play a significant role in the immigrant paradox. Second and 1.5-generation immigrants, with more exposure to the U.S. culture, often face higher levels of chronic discrimination and racism. These experiences can harm their mental and physical well-being, contributing to health disparities.
Several steps can be taken to address the challenges of the immigrant paradox. Validating children’s experiences navigating two cultures is crucial, letting them know they are not alone and normalizing their emotions. Encouraging racial-ethnic socialization helps children understand and appreciate their cultural background. Building strong social and family connections within the immigrant community provides support. Recognizing and embracing the benefits of bilingualism and biculturalism in the home preserves immigrants’ strengths.
Advocating for system changes is essential. Overcoming barriers such as poverty, lack of insurance, language barriers, and limited mental health resources is crucial to ensure that children and adolescents of immigrants have access to the mental health support they need. By implementing these strategies, we can actively support the well-being of immigrant children and work towards reducing the disparities associated with the immigrant paradox.
In conclusion, nurturing the resilience of immigrant children is essential for their mental health and successful integration into their new environment. By implementing the strategies and interventions discussed in this blog, we can create a supportive and empowering environment that fosters resilience in these young individuals.
Cultivating a welcoming and inclusive environment, fostering social connections, and strengthening family and community support networks are vital to promoting resilience. Equipping immigrant children with coping skills, providing access to culturally sensitive mental health services, and supporting their education and language acquisition also contribute to their resilience. Raising awareness, promoting acceptance, and advocating for supportive policies help create a more inclusive society for immigrant children. By providing mentorship and role models, we offer them guidance and inspiration on their journey.
Our collective responsibility is to ensure that immigrant children have the necessary support to overcome challenges and thrive in their new surroundings. Together, we can create a society that embraces immigrant children’s unique strengths and contributions and fosters their resilience, enabling them to build a brighter future.
Online resources for immigrant children
- American Immigration Council (https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/)
- Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) (https://supportkind.org/)
- National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) (https://immigrantjustice.org/)
- Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) (https://www.acf.hhs.gov/orr)
- Teaching Tolerance (https://www.tolerance.org/)
- United We Dream (https://unitedwedream.org/)
Books
- “Helping Immigrant Children Succeed: A Guide to Essential Practices for K-12 Educators” by Carola Suárez-Orozco, Mona M. Abo-Zena, and Amy K. Marks
- “Handbook of Immigrant Health” edited by Sana Loue and Martha Sajatovic
- “Handbook of Immigrant Family Resilience: From Theory to Intervention” edited by Natasha J. Cabrera, Cynthia García Coll, and Eugenia L. Weiss
- “Children and Adolescents in Trauma: Creative Therapeutic Approaches” edited by Chris Nicholson and Niki Cooper
- “Treating Trauma and Traumatic Grief in Children and Adolescents” by Judith A. Cohen, Anthony P. Mannarino, and Esther Deblinger
- “Promoting the Emotional Well-being of Children and Adolescents and Preventing Their Mental Ill Health: A Handbook” edited by Kedar Nath Dwivedi
References
Marks, A. K., Ejesi, K., &; García Coll, C. (2014). Understanding the U.S. Immigrant Paradox in Childhood and Adolescence. Child Development Perspectives, 8(2), 59–64. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdep.12071
Sax, L. (2021, April 12). The immigrant paradox: Why are children of immigrants doing better?. Institute for Family Studies. https://ifstudies.org/blog/the-immigrant-paradox-why-are-children-of-immigrants-doing-better
Alegría, M., Álvarez, K., & DiMarzio, K. (2017). Immigration and Mental Health. Current epidemiology reports, 4(2), 145–155. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40471-017-0111-2
About the Authors
Claudia Cedeno, BCaBA is currently working towards her doctorate in clinical psychology, with a focus on child and adolescent psychology. Her passion for serving her community through clinical practice has led her to develop a particular interest in understanding the distinct needs and challenges faced by children and adolescents.
Mei-Ling Villafana Abraham, BCaBA is a second-year doctoral student with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Psychology. She believes that early treatment of mental health disorders in children is essential for promoting healthy development, preventing further issues, and improving their overall quality of life. Her passion lies in advocating for policies and practices that support the well-being of children, including access to healthcare, education, and other resources.
