Mental Health and Emotional Functioning of Parents from Separated–Reunited Chinese Immigrant Families

Abstract

Early and prolonged parent–child separation (EPPCS) may affect the health and well‐being of affected families. This phenomenon is common but understudied among Chinese immigrant families, especially those living in low‐income communities. Whereas some research has been conducted to understand the mental health and development of separated–reunited children, no research has examined the mental health condition of affected parents. The present study collected interviews ( N  = 24) and daily diary survey data (50% of the interview sample) to explore parental mental health and emotions and related factors among Chinese immigrant parents who have reunited with their children after EPPCS. Results integrating qualitative and quantitative analysis showed relatively low challenging mental health conditions in general, yet moderate positive to minor negative emotions (i.e., without extreme emotional reactions) among parents. Factors related to parental mental health included financial stress, children's educational attainment, family relationships, acculturation and homesickness. Parenting stress and a lack of communication with children could affect their negative emotions. Engagement in leisure activities, healthy parent–child bonding, quality family time and the child's advancement in academics were found to be beneficial to parental mental health conditions and positive emotions. The study provides insights for policies and community‐based services to support parents' parenting skills and relationships with their separated children during separation and after reunification.