Study Background
What was the main focus of the study?
To assess the mental health of immigrant children separated from their mothers at the U.S.–Mexico border.
What percentage of children showed abnormal emotional problems?
49%.
What questionnaire was used to assess children’s mental health?
The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)
What is one major strength of this study?
It focused on a highly vulnerable and under-researched population.
Which U.S. government policy led to the family separations studied?
The 2018 “zero tolerance” immigration policy.
Which group of children showed higher rates of conduct problems and hyperactivity?
Younger children (ages 5–11)
What are the five subscales of the SDQ?
Emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity, peer problems, and total difficulties
What ethical oversight was included in the study?
IRB approval and informed consent from participants
What type of research design was used in this study?
Cross-sectional study
Did the length of separation affect the children’s mental health outcomes?
No, distress was high regardless of separation length
Who completed the SDQ for each child?
The mothers
What is a key limitation of the study’s sample?
Small sample from a single detention center
How many children were included in the sample?
73 children
Which gender demonstrated higher rates of abnormal peer problems?
Boys
What languages was the SDQ administered in?
English and Spanish
Why can’t the study prove causation between separation and mental health outcomes?
Because it used a cross-sectional design
Which three countries did most families in the study come from?
Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador
What percentage of children showed abnormal total difficulties scores?
15%.
What is one limitation of relying solely on parent-report questionnaires like the SDQ?
Possible response bias or inaccurate reporting by parents
What type of bias might have influenced mothers’ reports?
Social desirability bias