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Vaya Con Dios: The Influence of Religious Constructs on Stressors around the Migration Process and U.S. Lived Experiences among Latina/o Immigrants

Author

Listed:
  • Oswaldo Moreno

    (Psychology Department, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Richmond, VA 23284, USA)

  • Miriam Ortiz

    (VCU School of Medicine Center on Health Disparities, Richmond, VA 23284, USA)

  • Lisa Fuentes

    (Psychology Department, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Richmond, VA 23284, USA)

  • Dina Garcia

    (VCU Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Richmond, VA 23284, USA)

  • Gabriela Leon-Perez

    (VCU Department of Sociology, Richmond, VA 23284, USA)

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the role of religious practices on the migration process and the U.S. lived experiences of Latina/o immigrants. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 Latino/a immigrant adults living in a southern state of the United States. Interviews focused on participants’ migration experiences, religious constructs, and stress responses. Results revealed that religious practices provided strength, well-being, and positive life outlook during the migration process. After migration, religious practices also assisted participants in creating a sense of community/family, as well as provided financial and social support during difficult times. Recommendations for future interdisciplinary research and for practitioners are discussed for individuals working with Latinx and immigrant populations.

Suggested Citation

  • Oswaldo Moreno & Miriam Ortiz & Lisa Fuentes & Dina Garcia & Gabriela Leon-Perez, 2020. "Vaya Con Dios: The Influence of Religious Constructs on Stressors around the Migration Process and U.S. Lived Experiences among Latina/o Immigrants," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-12, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:11:p:3961-:d:366872
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Torres, J.M. & Wallace, S.P., 2013. "Migration circumstances, psychological distress, and self-rated physical health for Latino immigrants in the United States," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 103(9), pages 1619-1627.
    2. Vargas, Edward D., 2015. "Immigration enforcement and mixed-status families: The effects of risk of deportation on Medicaid use," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 57(C), pages 83-89.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kritzia Merced & Chimdindu Ohayagha & Ria Grover & Isis Garcia-Rodriguez & Oswaldo Moreno & Paul B. Perrin, 2022. "Spanish Translation and Psychometric Validation of a Measure of Acculturative Stress among Latinx Immigrants in the USA," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(5), pages 1-14, February.

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