Effects of cultural brokering on individual wellbeing and family dynamics among immigrant youth

In this paper, we present a Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) project that documented an innovative youth empowerment program at a community based organization. The program at the core of this paper is aimed at strengthening cultural brokering, empowerment, civic engagement, and leadership skills by engaging youth as bilingual interpreters at community events to facilitate the participation of adults with limited English proficiency. Through the research-practice integration reflected in our study, we highlight how immigrant youth, engaged in activities that facilitate reflective thinking about their roles as cultural brokers, can be powerfully supported in navigating across their multiple cultural worlds.

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Family Dynamics at the Intersection of Languages, Cultures, and Aspirations: Reflections of Young Adults from Immigrant Families

Journal of Family Issues ◽

10.1177/0192513x211007527 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 0192513X2110075

Author(s):

Olena Nesteruk

Keyword(s):

Young Adults ◽

Young Adulthood ◽

Family Dynamics ◽

First Generation ◽

Immigrant Families ◽

Ethnically Diverse ◽

Immigrant Parents ◽

Cultural Brokering ◽

Cultural Gaps ◽

Depth Interviews

This study examined family dynamics and parent–child relations that stem from the intersection of languages, cultures, and aspirations of first-generation parents and their U.S.-raised children. Based on 50 in-depth interviews with young adults from ethnically diverse immigrant families, this study explored reflections and distinctive themes characteristic of the participants’ immigrant childhoods and relationships with parents. From a more mature perspective of young adulthood, participants’ narratives demonstrated acceptance of the unique features of their family dynamics and appreciation of their immigrant parents’ idiosyncrasies and sacrifices. Despite some struggles to bridge generational and cultural gaps through language and cultural brokering, these young adults were highly motivated by their parents’ aspirations and work ethic to uphold their end of the immigrant bargain and achieve success. The study has important implications for educators, counselors, and other practitioners working with immigrant parents and their children.

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The SRM Approach to Family Assessment

European Journal of Psychological Assessment ◽

10.1027/1015-5759.21.4.216 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 21 (4) ◽

pp. 216-225 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

William L. Cook

Keyword(s):

High Risk ◽

Risk Behaviors ◽

Social Relations ◽

Family Relationships ◽

Family Dynamics ◽

Family Assessment ◽

High Risk Behaviors ◽

Analysis Group ◽

The Social ◽

Direction Of Effects

Abstract. In family systems, it is possible for one to put oneself at risk by eliciting aversive, high-risk behaviors from others ( Cook, Kenny, & Goldstein, 1991 ). Consequently, it is desirable that family assessments should clarify the direction of effects when evaluating family dynamics. In this paper a new method of family assessment will be presented that identifies bidirectional influence processes in family relationships. Based on the Social Relations Model (SRM: Kenny & La Voie, 1984 ), the SRM Family Assessment provides information about the give and take of family dynamics at three levels of analysis: group, individual, and dyad. The method will be briefly illustrated by the assessment of a family from the PIER Program, a randomized clinical trial of an intervention to prevent the onset of psychosis in high-risk young people.

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