Cultural adaptation of a communication program for Mexican immigrant mothers and children

Children of Mexican immigrants face multiple challenges as their families adapt to living in the US. Challenges include poverty, high rates of depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, and family stress as children and parents acculturate in different ways. While multiple studies have demonstrated the protective nature of affirming family communication on the mental health of children, prevention programs aimed at strengthening family communication have not been adapted to the unique needs of Mexican immigrant families.

The research reported here is the first phase of a study whose goal is to adapt the Mission Possible: Parents and Kids Who Listen (MP) program so that it is culturally appropriate for Mexican immigrant mothers and their 4-6th grade children. Adaptation strategies include a series (5) of focus groups with an advisory committee of mothers (n=11) and a child advisory committee (n=11) to review the delivery method (e.g., power point presentations, videos, group activities) and application exercises for their acceptability. All of the mothers were born in Mexico and were predominantly Spanish speaking. Mothers reported that Euro and African-American actors and professionals on the program video tapes were acceptable and further reported that teaching strategies and take-home exercises designed for Euro and African American families were acceptable as long as they were in Spanish. Mothers liked the presentations from experts. Mothers further suggested that they preferred the classes without fathers. Data from the advisory committee were reviewed by intervention experts and the bilingual, bicultural team and will serve as the base for adaptation of MP.