Research That Matters (January 17 - 20, 2008)

This qualitative study explores the cultural values of first generation Mexican immigrant mothers and how their values have evolved. A bulk of research focuses on behavioral domains of acculturation with little research on how values change (Zane & Mak, 2002). Literature indicates that as immigrants become more like the dominant group they experience a decline in several health/behavioral health outcomes (Rumbaut, 1997). Cultural maintenance among immigrant youth and/or a bicultural orientation has demonstrated protective effects against drug and alcohol use and other poor outcomes (Marsiglia & Waller, 2002). Despite this there is minimal research on how immigrant parents can transmit cultural values to the second generation within a larger social environment that encourages assimilation. To address these gaps, the objectives of this study were twofold: (1) to understand the cultural values of Mexican immigrant mothers and (2) to work with mothers in developing strategies for passing on desired cultural values to their children. Ongoing focus groups (10-sessions) were conducted with twelve participants. A flexible interview schedule was utilized to structure group dialogue and participants were given considerable leeway to discuss what was important to them. Additionally, participants were engaged in activities such as creating a cultural collage, writing poetry, and a photo voice activity. This allowed participants to get at deep values that are often out of awareness and provided an alternative form of expression. Participants were from rural and urban areas of Mexico, ranged in age from 25 to 52, half had been in the United States 10 years or more, and nine of the participants had seven or more years of education. Data was analyzed using constructivist grounded theory strategies including simultaneous collection and analysis of data, initial line by line coding, focused coding, theoretical coding and memo writing (Charmaz, 2006). To promote trustworthiness member checks were conducted where findings were presented to participants and their feedback was received. Several cultural values emerged from the data including respeto, familismo, simpatia, humildad and around gender role expectations. These values are embedded in a commitment to dignidad and to being in relation. This study demonstrates how the meaning of these values has evolved with time and changing contexts. Strategies parents use to instill cultural values also emerged and include native language maintenance, talking with children, sharing stories and dichos, modeling desired values through family traditions, observing traditional holiday celebrations, visiting Mexico, and through work. Participants themselves were affirmed in their commitment to passing on desired cultural values and are actively doing so in their own families. This research provides rich information about the cultural values of Mexican immigrant women that can be drawn on when working with immigrant families. For example, knowledge of familismo and/or gender role expectations can be used to implement strength based programming. Additionally, programs can be developed for immigrant families that utilize identified strategies for instilling values and that are based on cultural values. This would assist immigrant parents as they endeavor to rear children in the US and potentially lead to more positive youth outcomes.