Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2016 The ffecE t of Acculturative in the Psychological Adjustment of Immigrant Hispanic Parents Estela Garcia Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Clinical Psychology Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Estela Garcia has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Nina Nabors, Committee Chairperson, Psychology Faculty Dr. Susana Verdinelli, Committee Member, Psychology Faculty Dr. Tracy Mallett, University Reviewer, Psychology Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Walden University 2016 Abstract The Role of Acculturative Stress in the Psychological Adjustment of Immigrant Hispanic Parents by Estela Garcia MS, City College of The City University Of New York, 1995 BA, The City College of The City University of New York, 1990 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Clinical Psychology Walden University December of 2016 Abstract Hispanic immigrant parents are a growing yet understudied population. Few studies have addressed the relationship between Hispanic immigrant parents and the acculturation process. The purpose of this study was to determine how acculturative stress, racism, language proficiency, poor coping style, and low levels of social support affect the psychological adjustment of Hispanic immigrant parents. Using the framework of acculturation theory, this quantitative study examined 92 immigrant Hispanic parents from an urban northeast school in the United States. Several established instruments that measured racism, coping style, language proficiency, social support, and psychological distress were used. The results of the multiple regression analysis showed that as Spanish competencies pressure increased, depressive symptoms increased. In addition, as interpersonal support increased, depressive symptoms decreased. Contrary to recent literature, racism, coping style, and language proficiency were not predictive of psychological distress. This study contributes to positive social change by understanding how Spanish competencies pressure can cause psychological distress, thereby giving therapists the sapience to better treat this population with effective therapies such as social support, and thus improving the quality of life of this population. The Role of Acculturative Stress in the Psychological Adjustment of Immigrant Hispanic Parents by Estela Garcia MS, City College of The City University Of New York, 1995 BA, The City College of The City University of New York, 1990 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Clinical Psychology Walden University December of 2016 Dedication To my children and to my mom, who is one of those immigrant Hispanic parents. Acknowledgments This project would not have been possible without the support of many people. Many thanks to my Committee Chair Dr. Nabors, who took me onboard when she was maxed out, read my numerous revisions, and helped me stay focused and motivated throughout the process. Also thanks to my committee member Dr. Verdinelli, who offered guidance and support. I must also mention my dear friend, now Dr. Trine Pless- Rasmussan, for believing that I can do this, providing her support, and motivating me every step of the way. Thanks to my husband JC, who gave me the head start and his unconditional love in this ultimate educational goal. Thanks to my children, Shania and Alveris Molina AKA Gordis, for their understanding and patience: they inspired me to become a better version of myself through education. And last but not least, thanks to my mother Estela Benitez, who has always inspired me to reach higher levels in my education and spirituality, stayed with my children when I needed to travel for school, and always supported my dreams. She is portrayed in this study that unveils the difficulties of being immigrant Hispanic parents: trying not only to survive but to give our children a better life, the “American Dream,” without losing the essence of who we are and never forgetting where we come from. I am grateful to everyone who endured this long process with me, always offering support and love, and always believing in me. Table of Contents List of Tables .......................................................................................................................v List of Figures .................................................................................................................... vi Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ....................................................................................1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................1 Background ....................................................................................................................4 Statement of the Problem ...............................................................................................7 Purpose of the Research Study ......................................................................................9 Research Question and Hypotheses ...............................................................................9 Nature of the Research Study ......................................................................................10 Theoretical Foundation ................................................................................................10 Definition of Terms......................................................................................................11 Limitations and Assumptions ......................................................................................12 Delimitations ................................................................................................................12 Significance of the Study .............................................................................................13 Summary and Overview of the Study ..........................................................................14 Chapter 2: Literature Review .............................................................................................16 Introduction ..................................................................................................................16 Literature Search Strategy............................................................................................16 Theoretical Framework ................................................................................................17 The Acculturation Stages ...................................................................................... 17 i The Acculturation Process and its Implications.................................................... 20 The Hispanic Community in the United States............................................................23 Acculturative Stress in the Hispanic Community ........................................................26 Familial and Parental Influence on Children’s Life Goals ..........................................31 Hispanic Parent-Child Relationships and Educational Attainment .............................35 Mental Health and Adjustment Among Hispanics ......................................................40 Summary ......................................................................................................................45 Chapter 3: Research Method ..............................................................................................47 Introduction ..................................................................................................................47 Research Design and Rationale ...................................................................................47 Methodology ................................................................................................................48 Population and Sample ......................................................................................... 48 Sample and Sampling Procedures ......................................................................... 49 Procedures ....................................................................................................................50 Recruitment ........................................................................................................... 50 Data Collection ..................................................................................................... 50 Instruments and Measures..................................................................................... 51 Multidimensional Acculturation Stress Index (MASI) ......................................... 52 Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale ............................................ 54 The Brief COPE ...................................................................................................