Crossroads: The Psychology of Immigration in the New Century

time. For example, under what conditions do patterns of
distress diminish or worsen as immigrants adjust to life in
the United States? Though time consuming and expensive,
longitudinal research has much to offer and should be
pursued when possible (Fuligni, 2001; C. Suárez-Orozco
& Suárez-Orozco, 2001; C. Suárez-Orozco et al., 2008).
Future studies should also examine mediating (variables
that explain the relationship between two other variables)
and moderating (variables that explain the strength
between two other variables) factors related to mental
health and psychosocial adaptation and development (APA,
2010c).
Use of Mixed Methods
A wide range of methodological strategies is required to
identify cultural variations in the expression of well-being
and distress (Betancourt & Williams, 2008). Research with
culturally and linguistically diverse populations requires a
fundamental alteration of the most common investigative
frameworks (i.e., rather than approaching culture through
a pre-set middle-class American framework, the researcher
should use methodologies to understand the worldview of
the immigrant population) (APA, 2010c). Using multiple
methods will help address these complex methodological
challenges (APA, 2010c; Betancourt & Khan, 2008; C.
Suárez-Orozco & Carhill, 2008).
When working with immigrant-origin populations, research
methodologies should include:
• Qualitative data—collecting data to describe meaning
(e.g., ethnographic observation, interviews, and focus
groups).
• Quantitative data—collecting data with an emphasis
on statistical inference (e.g., questionnaires, surveys, and
experiments).
• Mixed methods—combining qualitative and
quantitative strategies in varying sequences depending
on the research questions and intent of the study (APA,
2010c; Creswell, 2008)
Well-designed large-scale quantitative surveys can make
it possible to generalize findings to particular immigrant
populations; however, without qualitative research it can
be difficult to interpret that data. Qualitative methods
provide a better understanding of local terms and cultural
norms of well-being, mental distress, and the meanings
of what is considered “normal” and “abnormal” (APA,
2010c; Betancourt, Speelman, Onyango, & Bolton, 2009).
Expressions of distress are not uniform across cultures
(APA, 2010c; Hinton & Good, 2009). By recognizing the
cultural expression of symptoms for the population under
consideration, appropriate interventions can be developed.
The potential for client engagement, retention, and treatment
success will, in turn, be much improved (APA, 2010c; Bernal,
2006; K. E. Miller, Kulkarni, & Kushner, 2006).
Ethical Considerations
There are particular ethical considerations when working
with immigrant-origin populations. Power dynamics
between researcher and participant are always a concern but
are accentuated (APA, 2010c) between the researcher and
immigrant participant, particularly when the participant is
less educated or undocumented. Researchers must articulate
how a study may contribute to improving the lives of its
participants and/or the larger community and delineate any
potential risks. Researchers must also take steps to protect
participants.
Since some portion of first-generation participants may be
undocumented, researchers must give thought to that issue
when formulating the study, recruiting participants, and
conducting the study. In the current climate of deportation,
extra precautions must be taken to shield the identities of
participants. We recommend the use of the usual research
protections, including assigned numbers to de-identified
records, locked paper and digital records, and consent
forms signed with a pseudonym. If psychologists think they
might be in contravention of federal or state laws, they
should consult the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code
of Conduct (APA, 2010a) to resolve conflicts. The strictest
ethical standards must be upheld to maintain the trust of
the community and not place the research participants at
risk.
If psychologists’ ethical responsibilities conflict with the
law, regulations, or other governing legal authority, they
should clarify the nature of the conflict, make known
their commitment to the Ethics Code, and take reasonable
steps to resolve the conflict, consistent with the General
Principles and Ethical Standards of the Ethics Code. Under
no circumstances may this standard be used to justify or
defend violating human rights (see http://www.apa.org/
news/press/releases/2010/02/ethics-code.aspx).
76 Report of the APA Presidential Task Force on Immigration