Family closeness, parental role fulfillment and immigration stress: a study on Filipino American young adults' satisfaction with parental upbringing

Overseas labor migration has enabled many Filipinos to meet the needs of their families. However, findings from several studies suggest that immigration also adversely impacts the well-being of immigrant families. Previous research (e.g., Qin, 2006), for instance, shows that immigrant parents’ demanding work schedule negatively affects family dynamics (e.g., closeness). In turn, weakened family bonds have been linked to negative psychological outcomes (e.g., depression) among children of immigrants (Hwang & Wood, 2009; Rumbaut, 1994). The current study investigated the relationship between satisfaction with parental upbringing and mental health. In particular, it examined the interaction between family closeness and satisfaction with parental upbringing in predicting depression and suicide-related outcomes. Because children’s satisfaction had not been previously measured, a new scale was developed and validated for the current study. Results indicated that both lack of family closeness and children’s level of satisfaction with their upbringing were significantly associated with depression or suicide-related behaviors; the interaction between closeness and satisfaction, however, did not significantly predict negative psychological outcomes. Moreover, although children’s satisfaction did not contribute to predicting depression above and beyond family closeness, it significantly accounted for more serious psychopathology (i.e., prolonged hopelessness and seriousness of suicidal ideation). The discussion highlights the implications of these findings on Filipino American mental health