Family and cultural influences on low-income latino children's adjustment.

This study examined family and cultural influences on adjustment among 90 low-income Latino middle school children (46% girls; average age = 11.38, SD = .66) and their primary caregivers (93% female; average age = 36.12, SD = 6.13). All participants identified as Hispanic/Latino, with 75% of families identifying as Mexican-origin Latino, and 77% of parents and 32% of children identifying as immigrants. Hierarchical linear modeling analyses revealed that family reframing interacted with familism, with high levels of both associated with fewer psychological symptoms, whereas passive appraisal is linked to worse functioning. Results are discussed with regard to the implications of this research for preventive interventions with families in poverty.