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Exploring Migration-Related Trauma Among Latinx Immigrants: Understanding Its Impact on Therapeutic Connection
Dissertation

Exploring Migration-Related Trauma Among Latinx Immigrants: Understanding Its Impact on Therapeutic Connection

Lori Cardenas
University of La Verne
Doctor of Psychology, University of La Verne
2026

Abstract

Research on the Latinx population has heavily focused on understanding post-migration challenges and barriers to seeking mental health services. Research has begun to explore how all migration-related trauma impacts the mental health of this population. However, emerging research has been limited to understanding the implications of discussing memories of migration-related trauma from the provider's perspective. The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of first-generation Latinx immigrants when recalling discussion of migration-related trauma within the therapeutic setting and the effect on perceived satisfaction with mental health services, utilizing a qualitative research design. Twelve first-generation Latinx immigrants who had received mental health services within the past five years were interviewed utilizing a semi-structured interview. Data analysis revealed nine domains describing participants' recollection of their therapeutic experience when discussing migration-related trauma. Participants shared their therapeutic experience, often focused on discussing post-migration factors and a lack of exploration of the impact of pre- and during-migration-related trauma. Participants described how a lack of discussion of their entire migration journey left them feeling unheard or that their therapist lacked understanding of the immigrant experience, impacting their perceived satisfaction with mental health services. The findings of this study illustrate the importance of continuing research to explore the impact of the entire migration-related trauma on the mental health of Latinx immigrants to aid in the improvement of mental health services.
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