What about the Parents? Exploring the Impact of Immigration Separation and Reunification on the Wellbeing and Sense of Self of Central American Parents

Background: Immigration family separation is considered a significant stressor among immigrants, and has been documented to increase children and parents' risk of developing depression, anxiety, and separation-related post-traumatic stress disorder, ambiguous loss, disconnection, and loneliness. Although immigration family separation and reunification has been vastly studied in the context of the impact on children, youth, and the family unit, more research is needed to understand the distinct psychological impact that separation and reunification have on parents who settle in the U.S. first and bring their children later. A focus on the parent's bio-psycho-socio-spiritual needs, and specific interventions for the parent’s individual healing, is crucial. When parents bear unmet needs, unresolved emotional distress, or traumatic experiences, their ability to support themselves and their children diminishes. Parents’ unaddressed emotional distress could have long-term mental health implications that impact various facets of the parent’s life. Thus, developing effective, culturally sensitive service and policy interventions for parents necessitates a keen attunement to their experiences.

Methods: This qualitative study aimed to investigate the impact of family separation and reunification on the well-being and sense of self among Central American parents. The recruitment criteria included 1) Central American parents from the DC metro area, California, Texas, New York, and Florida—regions that have seen an increase in Central American migration; 2) Parents who experienced either self-initiated or government-enforced separation and subsequent reunification with their children aged 6 to18 years old. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in person or video and included an art-based prompt to facilitate one of the questions. Additionally, a community advisory board was established, comprising community members with lived experiences of family separation/reunification and service providers. This board contributed to the finalization of the interview guide, offered valuable recruitment ideas and approaches, and devised strategies for disseminating the research findings, among other contributions.

Results: Preliminary findings suggest that the immediate bio-psycho-social-spiritual needs of Central American parents—such as employment, housing, legal support, and support for their children—are intricately connected with parents’ well-being and sense of self. Additionally, the study highlighted that parents’ well-being may also be impacted during their children’s migration journeys (while en route or en ruta), underscoring the need to provide support to parents during this stage of migration. The study also indicated that reunification presents unique challenges and opportunities, impacting the parent’s well-being, ability to nurture and provide for their children. This capacity is linked to parents’ self-perception and confidence in their parental skills. Lastly, the study illuminated parental strengths that helped mitigate separation and reunification difficulties.

Conclusion and Implications: This study enhances our understanding of intervention, policy, and research related to the unique experiences and needs of Central American parents following family separation and reunification. Addressing the bio-psycho-social-spiritual needs of Central American parents improves their overall well-being and sense of self , which in turn enhances their capacity to support their children's developmental, emotional and environmental needs. This study advocates for targeted service and policy interventions that recognize and address parents' individual needs, their well-being, and the complex realities of family reunification.