Factors promoting resilience among Mexican immigrant women in the United States: Applying a positive deviance approach
Factores que promueven la resiliencia entre las mujeres inmigrantes mexicanas en los Estados Unidos: Aplicación de un enfoque de desviación positiva
https://doi.org/10.21670/ref.1805005
Keywords:
immigrant women, mental health, assets perspective, positive devianceAbstract
This research project used a positive deviance approach to identify Mexican immigrant women (MIW) who have experienced great stress and who have positive mental health indicators in order to determine the factors behind their resilience and coping skills. Signposts, strengths and resources contributing to positive mental health are identified and described. The resilience of participants in this study emerged as a very dynamic phenomenon. A series of internal assets helped these women find meaning, purpose and build resilience. Social networks, families, positive attitudes, and purposeful behaviors determine the strengths and well-being of this group. This may be the first exploration of the mental health assets of MIW. Although the purposive sample in the study limits the generalization of its results, the specificity of its population is a clear point of comparison and reference. The study has implications for the design of health promotion interventions with individuals of Mexican shared ancestry.Resumen
Esta investigación utilizó un enfoque de desviación positiva para identificar mujeres inmigrantes mexicanas (MIM) que han experimentado un gran estrés y que tienen indicadores positivos de salud mental con el fin de determinar los factores detrás de su capacidad de adaptación. Para tal efecto, se identifican y describen los indicadores, fortalezas y recursos que contribuyen a una salud mental positiva. Como resultado se identificó que la resiliencia de las participantes en este estudio emergió como un fenómeno muy dinámico. Las mujeres estudiadas mostraron activos internos que las ayudan a encontrar significado, propósito y desarrollar resiliencia. De manera específica, las redes sociales, familia, actitudes positivas y conductas determinan las fortalezas y el bienestar de este grupo. Esta puede ser la primera exploración de los activos de salud mental de MIM, y si bien la muestra intencional limita la generalización de sus resultados, la especificidad de su población es un punto claro de comparación y referencia, por lo que el estudio es una contribución para el diseño de intervenciones de promoción de la salud con individuos de ascendencia mexicana.References
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