Work, Stressors, and Psychosocial Adjustment of Undocumented Guatemalan Adolescents in United States Agriculture: A Mixed-Methods Approach

Fiorella L. Carlos Chavez, Melinda A. Gonzales-Backen, Joseph G. Grzywacz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

This research focused on undocumented male Guatemalan migrant adolescents’ experiences and stressors in United States agriculture. Study 1 applied a phenomenological method to explore work–life experiences of Guatemalan minors (n = 10) aged 15–17 (Mage = 16.4). Findings highlighted three themes (1) “Just keep pushing forward,” (2) “It feels ugly but that’s life,” and (3) “I have to do everything on my own.” Using a separate sample, Study 2 examined the association between stressors and depressive symptoms among Guatemalan migrant adolescents (n = 28), aged 15–20 (Mage = 17.71). Results showed loneliness, social isolation, and work conditions as correlates for depressive symptoms. Findings highlighted a distinct developmental path among migrant farmworker adolescents and offered insight into their resilience and developmental threats.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1218-1234
Number of pages17
JournalJournal of Research on Adolescence
Volume31
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2021
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Guatemalan migrant farmworker adolescents
  • depressive symptoms
  • experiences
  • loneliness
  • stressors

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cultural Studies
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Social Sciences (miscellaneous)
  • Behavioral Neuroscience

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