Leaving Family for Work: Ambivalence & Mental Health Among Migrant Farmworker Men
Author: Grzywacz, Joseph G.
Date Published: 2006
Men migrating to the United Stated from Mexico and Central America confront opposing family norms. They need to leave their families to gain family economic security; yet, leaving renders their families vulnerable. This study examined the mental health implications of the opposing family norms inherent in migration using an ambivalence framework. This study interviewed 60 Latino migrant farmworkers working in North Carolina. Most were from Mexico; each had left a wife and children in his country of origin. Analysis indicated that family ambivalence was common. Ambivalence was associated with anxiety symptoms (but not depression or alcohol dependence), especially among men who were unable to contact their families regularly. Results show the usefulness of the ambivalence framework, and suggest that the origins of poor migrant mental health may result in circumstances preceding migration. Study recommendations include facilitating family contact by expanding access to telephones among migrant workers.
Date Published: 2006
Men migrating to the United Stated from Mexico and Central America confront opposing family norms. They need to leave their families to gain family economic security; yet, leaving renders their families vulnerable. This study examined the mental health implications of the opposing family norms inherent in migration using an ambivalence framework. This study interviewed 60 Latino migrant farmworkers working in North Carolina. Most were from Mexico; each had left a wife and children in his country of origin. Analysis indicated that family ambivalence was common. Ambivalence was associated with anxiety symptoms (but not depression or alcohol dependence), especially among men who were unable to contact their families regularly. Results show the usefulness of the ambivalence framework, and suggest that the origins of poor migrant mental health may result in circumstances preceding migration. Study recommendations include facilitating family contact by expanding access to telephones among migrant workers.
