Immigration stress and maternal sensitivity in a Mexican immigrant sample: The role of parasympathetic activity and familism value.

Abstract

Objectives: The present study examined whether immigration stress was related to decreased capacities for psychophysiological stress regulation (as indexed by respiratory sinus arrhythmia [RSA]) and whether lower RSA, in turn, was related to decreased maternal sensitivity. The buffering effect of familism values was also evaluated, such that familism values were expected to minimize associations between immigration stress, RSA, and sensitivity.

Method: Data were drawn from a longitudinal study of Mexican immigrant mothers (N = 277; M_age = 28 years). Mothers self-reported immigration stress and familism values, and mothers' resting RSA and sensitivity were assessed during laboratory visits.

Results: Higher immigration stress was associated with higher RSA (B = .15, SE = .07, p = .04) but was unrelated to maternal sensitivity. Moreover, links between more immigration stress and higher RSA were more pronounced among mothers who reported stronger familism values (B = .20, SE = .07, p = .003).

Conclusions: The present study contributes to our understanding of the sequelae of immigration stress in Mexican immigrant mothers and the cultural resiliency factors that may alter its effects. In contrast to hypotheses, findings suggested that mothers who endorse more immigration stress may also exhibit higher RSA, and links may be more pronounced among those with strong familism values. Further research is needed to advance understanding of resiliency processes that promote family functioning in vulnerable populations. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).