Social Relations and Well-being in Mexico: The Effect of Emigration.

Abstract

Advances in developmental and social psychological methodologies have increasingly demonstrated the pervasive influence of social relations on biopsychosocial health, from immunological functioning and mortality to normal development, competence, and mental health. Building upon the research literature demonstrating significant links between social relations, family structures, and well-being in the United States, the current study examines social relations in Mexico and the ensuing effect on well-being. It was hypothesized that social relations may have unique effects on well-being in Mexico due to traditional cultural values about family relationships. Additionally, this project addresses the direct effect of migration on migrants’ family members. Although most attention has been given to those who temporarily migrate to the U.S., very little attention has been given to the larger group of family members including spouses and parents who remain behind in Mexico. Both quantitative and qualitative methodologies were used to identify the structure, quality, and function of social relationships in Mexico. A large-scale representative survey of social relations and well-being was complemented by in-depth focus groups addressing the direct effect of migration on Mexican migrants’ family members. Findings suggested that social relationships in Mexico have the unique feature of increased family presence, indicative of familism values. There were numerous age and gender differences in the effect of social relations on well-being; however, in general, social network characteristics were related to physical well-being and social support quality was related to psychological well-being. Quantitative findings suggested that the social relationships of family members of migrants are affected, but not their well-being. However, qualitative findings suggest that close relationships (such as spousal and parent-child) are negatively affected both in terms of relationship quality and emotional well-being. Qualitative findings highlighted differences by relationship type related to themes of economic implications, communication, family dynamics, and adaptation. This study contributes to the understanding of family relations and well-being in Mexico both broadly and specifically related to familial emigration. Findings are discussed in the context of the Convoy Model of Social Relations.