Little is known about the causes of maternal parenting stress in the Mexican American population. We examine determinants of parenting stress among Mexican American mothers in comparison to non-Hispanic white and non-Hispanic black mothers. We base our analysis on Belsky’s conceptual model (1984), which specifies predictors of parenting stress in three domains: maternal characteristics, child characteristics, and social context. Using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, a national survey of new mothers conducted in large cities beginning in 1998, we draw a sample of 2,898 mothers from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Our findings suggest differences in the determinants of parenting stress by racial or ethnic group. Overall, the patterns of parenting stress for non-Hispanic white and non-Hispanic black mothers are fairly consistent with Belsky’s parenting model. However, for Mexican American mothers social support, but not partner support, ameliorate parenting stress and depression is not associated with parenting stress. Importantly as well, despite significant social disadvantage, the levels of parenting stress in Mexican American mothers does not significantly differ from those of non-Hispanic whites. Specific recommendations are made to practitioners for culturally competent responses to parenting stress in the provision of social services to Mexican American families. Implications for future research are twofold: our study calls for the incorporation of diverse samples when examining the determinants of parenting stress and for the development of theoretical frameworks that reflect the unique aspects of psychosocial well-being among Mexican Americans.

It is estimated that U.S. Latinas have a higher risk of developing postpartum depression (PPD) than the general population, with even higher risk among immigrant Latinas. We conducted three focus groups with immigrants from Mexico and Central America (19) inquiring about cultural messages regarding PPD. Groups were conducted in Spanish, and thematic analysis was used to uncover themes. Themes are presented within three categories: views of PPD, cultural messages and beliefs that prevent treatment seeking, and suggestions to promote treatment seeking. Community and family-led efforts to decrease stigma and normalize PPD are suggested.

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ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to explore the postpartum depression (PPD) beliefs and experiences of mothers who access local community faith-based organisations providing family services to low-income, predominantly immigrant Latino populations.DesignUsing a qualitative research design, we conducted 18 focus groups with Latina mothers to inquire about their community values and beliefs of PPD. All groups were conducted in Spanish.SettingAn academic research team located in Houston, Texas, USA, partnered with six faith-based organisations in five cities to recruit and host focus groups at the site of the organisation.ParticipantsOne hundred and thirty-three women participated in the focus groups across all sites. Thirty-seven of them (27.8%) had given birth to a child in less than 1 year. Inclusion criteria included mothers 18 years and older and Latino ethnicity.ResultsA six-step process was used to apply thematic analysis to sort data into the themes. All mothers had heard of depression after childbirth, some had experienced it and most remarked that the personal experience and community acceptance of it vary by family. The main findings suggest that mothers take pride in parenting by instilling values to support family and the value of relying on family for emotional support. Findings reveal that many mothers suffer and sacrifice for their children, they feel judged and feel they must hide their emotions. Factors such as birth and postpartum customs from a native country, gender roles and beliefs of what a good mother shape their beliefs and messages about PPD.ConclusionOur findings indicate that programme developers should consider family and community focused education and intervention efforts to help decrease stigma and increase understanding of PPD.

Most childhood deaths that occur in the hospital happen in the pediatric intensive care unit. Providing pediatric palliative care in the intensive care unit comes with unique challenges due to the acute care, curative and often medically aggressive focus of these settings. In this study, 190 PICU health care professionals reported on their comfort and confidence in providing palliative care. Findings indicate that professionals report only a moderate level of comfort and confidence in this type of care in the pediatric ICU. For physicians and nurses, comfort and confidence was significantly higher for those who had practiced 8 years or more. Practitioners reported less comfort in providing psychosocial care. Implications for the social work role on the interdisciplinary team and suggestions for future research are discussed.