Unveiling Sources of Resilience and Social Support Dimensions: Honoring Mexican Immigrant Experiences and their Migration Journeys in a Borderlands Community Based Participatory Project

Abstract

For decades, migration from Mexico to the U.S. has been a persistent phenomenon. Immigrants of Mexican origin often report experiences of discrimination, violence, and racism, describing these as a dehumanization of their human rights (Sabo et al., 2014). Research indicates that immigrants’ experiences often involve trauma and lack of basic resources, leading to significant physical and mental health consequences, including life-threatening risks, stress, and depression (Philbin & Ayón, 2016; Salas et al., 2013). These risks and economic hardships can lead to psychological distress, such as depressive symptoms, especially in low-income communities (Masarik & Conger, 2017). As a result, a better understanding of potential resources of resilience and social support for immigrants from Mexican origins in the borderlands is essential.In this dissertation, the three projects aim to better understand the sources of resilience and social support available to immigrants residing in the Southwestern region of the nation as they face challenges. The knowledge gained from this dissertation will inform future research, practice, and policy on immigrant well-being, especially among parents. The purpose is to inform better strategies to boost mental health, ultimately increasing resilience processes and social support networks among historically marginalized immigrant populations. Employing a community-based participatory research approach and a culturally responsive perspective, this dissertation outlines the essential components for exploring, identifying, and evaluating resources that serve immigrant families in the Arizona border region in the post-pandemic era. Keywords: immigration, resilience, social support, evaluation, families, CBPR.