Understanding Latino Children and Families’ Well-being Requires Data Disaggregated by Birth Within or Outside the United States

Abstract

Nearly 1 in 5 people in the United States are Hispanic, and Latino children and families' well-being varies according to a number of factors-including whether they were born inside the United States or outside it, in their country of heritage. Disaggregated data that compare the lived experiences and outcomes of Hispanic children and families born in the Unites States to those born outside the country are needed to understand disparities in education, child care and health care access, employment opportunities, and other key areas that affect U.S. Hispanic children and families' well-being. 2 Understanding Latino Children and Families' Well-being Requires Data Disaggregated by Birth Within or Outside the United StatesThis brief has three main parts. First, we describe theoretical perspectives that support a disaggregated approach-that is, examining different Latino subgroups separately-to understanding Latino individuals' well-being by considering their nativity status. Second, we use a strength-based approach to summarize existing research on how Latino families vary by nativity status in their family processes (i.e., co-parenting and parenting), psychological functioning (i.e., mental health), stressors (e.g., poverty), promotive factors (factors such as optimism and bicultural identity that are related to positive outcomes), protective factors (factors that might mitigate the negative effects of risks on outcomes), and children's wellbeing. Third, we discuss implications of our findings and review important policy and program considerations