Conditions That Promote Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) in Family Reunification for Central American Mothers and Their Children

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Trauma exposure among transnational migrant mothers from the Northern Triangle is common due to the interpersonal, institutional and structural violence endured in their home countries, on their journeys, and in their settlement experiences in the US. Mothers carry this cumulative trauma even after reunification with their children, many of whom recently came to the US as unaccompanied minors fleeing similar conditions of violence. A small body of research has addressed migrant mothers’ experiences of trauma caused by their migration experiences; however, research currently overlooks how mothers are able to transform this trauma into personal and collective growth for themselves while rebuilding relationships with their children after reunification.

Methods: Utilizing a phenomenological methodology, Feminist Standpoint Theory guided the research. Twenty-five in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with transnational Central American mothers (ages 21-75) who had migrated without their children from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras to Long Island, New York, between 1976-2019. Ten in-depth interviews were also conducted with key informants from direct service organizations. Participants were recruited via posted fliers and outreach to three direct service organizations. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded thematically.

Findings: The vast majority of transnational Central American mothers who reunited with their children after years of separation overcame the cumulative trauma and compounded disadvantage they experienced before, during, and after migration, and after reunification with their children. Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) occurred because of the initial support, participation, and collaboration with local immigrant services organizations. Many of these immigrant mothers were domestic workers. Mothers found support for their children’s immigration cases to facilitate entry into school, attend peer support groups with other immigrant women, and address domestic violence. These services provided legal counseling, English classes, family support groups, domestic violence support groups, and leadership building workshops. Mothers’ participation in these services resulted in recognition of personal strength, exploration of new possibilities fostering a greater appreciation for life, spiritual growth, and improved relationships with their families and children.

Conclusions and Implications: This study provides evidence of posttraumatic growth and resilience through mothers’ participation in organizations, leadership building initiatives, and systems of support in the larger community. This has important implications for social work practice and practitioners that work with Central American mothers who live with cumulative trauma caused by their experiences of compounded disadvantage due to their undocumented or limited legal status and violence and who have recently reunited with their children after years of separation. This study highlights how support organizations with front-facing agents, social workers, attorneys, and community organizers can model a multi-pronged approach that deals directly with immigrant mothers’ immediate and possibly midterm needs. In addition, adopting such an approach can equip mothers with the skills, confidence, self-esteem, group support, and advocacy for mothers to help their children adapt to new family dynamics and a new environment.