Immigration-related Problems as a Barrier To Meeting the Mental Health Needs of Latinx Youth in Immigrant Families.

Abstract

The increase of anti-immigrant policies and rhetoric creates a heightened sense of fear for Latinx undocumented and mixed status families. Yet, there are numerous barriers that prevent Latinx youth from seeking mental health services (MHS) when in need. This study examined whether immigration-related problems and worry (IPW) during an era of high visibility immigration enforcement moderated the relationship between mental health (MH) need and help-seeking from different sources of support among 4th-12th grade students who self-identified as Latinx first- or second-generation immigrants (N = 445). We hypothesized that Latinx youth who experienced IPW would report predominantly relying on peer and non-professional adult support, rather than professional support. Results revealed a significant moderation effect, such that the association between internalizing problems (i.e., MH need) and adult help-seeking was attenuated among Latinx youth who endorsed IPW, compared to those who did not endorse these concerns. These findings suggest that experiencing IPW, stemming from anti-immigrant policies and rhetoric, deter Latinx youth from seeking support from trusting adults (e.g., parents, relatives, teachers), preventing them from receiving their support and getting connected to professional MHS.