Migrating Latinas and the Grief Process Migrating Latinas and the Grief Process

by Gonzalez, Daiana Anahir

This qualitative study examines the migratory experience of immigrant Latina married women. It looks at their experience from both an individual and a systemic perspective. It compares their experience to that of grief due to bereavement using Parkes’ theory of the grief process. This research also presents findings as to the effects of migration on the marital system.

Analysis of interview data provided by 12 Latin American women who resided in the United States ranging from 2 years to 10 years, allowed a comparison between the experience of these women and the grief process theory. The findings of the study indicate that although there are some slight differences between grieving a deceased person and grieving the loss of a country, the similarities predominate. The data gathered was divided into the categories of initial mixed-emotions, searching, anger, disorganization and despair, recovery. Furthermore, the impact of immigration on the marital dyad was analyzed. The interviewees reported an increase in marital argument during the first stages of immigration with a tendency to decrease as time lapses. Overall, the interviewees identified their marital relationship as being stronger than prior to coming to the United States.