Chapter 7 - Contextual stressors and the role of religion and spirituality in the mental health of Latino/a immigrant parents and youth

Abstract

In this chapter, we provide a review of the literature addressing the mental health of Latino/a immigrant youth and parents. Relying upon the integrative risk and resilience model proposed by Suárez-Orozco et al. (2018), we first review various challenges in the political and social contexts of reception (e.g., attitudes toward immigrants) and in the microsystem (e.g., neighborhood and school climates) that influence the mental health of both Latino/a immigrant youth and parents. Next, we focus on one of the specific intersecting social positions identified by Suárez-Orozco and colleagues, namely religion and spirituality. We examine religiosity and spirituality as sources of strength and resilience for Latino/a immigrant youth and parents. Finally, we conclude with a discussion of the mechanisms by which religiosity and spirituality may influence the psychological functioning and well-being of Latino/a immigrant families.