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Multicultural Psychology

(PS9-91) Social Connectedness: Exploring Social and Community Foundations of Immigrant Health and Wellness

Saturday, November 16, 2024
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM EST
Location: Franklin Hall, Level 4, Marriott Downtown
Abstract Text: The impact of social and community-level processes on health outcomes affects all populations but it is especially salient for immigrants as they experience moving to and living in a new country. Previous literature has highlighted factors such as social support, social capital, social acceptance, community connectedness, and community navigation as contributors to positive mental health outcomes. However, these factors have been studied in isolation without clear specification on their precise role in behavioral health. Identifying the key aspects of the social environment that are most significant for immigrants is critical in developing interventions and improving behavioral health systems. The aim of the study was to conceptualize the social connection of immigrants that are relevant to understanding health outcomes. 38 Latino immigrants living in a nontraditional migration area were interviewed to explore the social and community factors related to health and wellness. The interviews were all conducted by a team of community co-researchers who identified as Latino immigrants. Analyzed using a hybrid inductive and deductive approach in thematic analysis, seven themes were found: 1) Lens of the individual is a filter for the social world; 2) Immigrant experience colors everything; 3) Interpersonal support enhances quality of life; 4) Community belonging fosters a sense of connectedness; 5) Community capital boosts security; 6) Community navigation promotes integration; and 7) Social acceptance strengthens inclusion. The community-generated conceptualization of social connection can be used by providers in behavioral health to mitigate risks and capitalize on strengths that can enhance immigrant mental health. Furthermore, the model of social connection can serve as the foundation to a quantitative measure that can be used by providers to assess connectedness as well as by researchers as a tool for evaluation of community-level interventions for immigrants.