Parental Self-Sacrifice among First-Generation Central American Immigrant Communities: A Qualitative Inquiry

Rafael E. Hernández Dubon

Advisor: Tara Chaplin, PhD, Department of Psychology

Committee Members: Bethany Letiecq, Amanda Sanchez, Oswaldo Moreno

Online Location, Online
April 23, 2025, 09:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Abstract:

Parental self-sacrifice—where parents prioritize their children's needs at significant personal expense—is a crucial, culturally embedded aspect of family life, particularly among undocumented Central American first-generation immigrant families. These families navigate significant structural, economic, and social barriers, including precarious employment, housing instability, and persistent threats associated with undocumented status. These severe constraints on autonomy and family stability create complex demands for parental self-sacrifice, making it a critical form of resistance against oppressive contextual barriers.

Although existing literature has examined parental self-sacrifice among other populations, the unique dynamics of Central American immigrant families remain underexplored, resulting in limited understanding of psychological implications within this group. To address this gap, this dissertation employs a constructivist grounded theory approach and semi-structured interviews with 30 first-generation Central American immigrant parents to explore their perceptions and experiences.

Study one investigates parental self-sacrifice experiences among mothers and fathers broadly, identifying three overarching themes: providing at all costs despite hardship; balancing caregiving responsibilities alongside precarious labor; and meaning making of self-sacrifice through cultural values, spirituality, and intergenerational narratives. Study two specifically examines paternal self-sacrifice, a largely unexplored area, highlighting how masculinity uniquely shapes these experiences. Central themes include recalibrating masculine identity—transitioning from culturally permitted privileges toward disciplined, spiritually-informed fatherhood—and sacrificial labor, emphasizing tangible daily efforts and shared familial responsibility.

Findings provide critical insights for culturally responsive psychological assessments and interventions tailored to Central American immigrant communities.