Transnational parenthood: a qualitative study on mental health among Haitians living in Santiago de Chile

Purpose The purpose of this study is to qualitatively explore the impact of family separation and transnational parenthood on Haitian migrant women’s mental health living in Santiago, Chile. Design/methodology/approach Sixteen in-depth interviews were conducted with Haitian men and women living in Santiago de Chile, and based on an inductive perspective, a thematic analysis was performed. Findings The process of family reunification has been specifically hard in the past years, therefore, almost no one has been able to bring their children to Chile despite having a permanent visa. An important aspect of their testimonies is that they feel guilty about having someone else taking care of their children, even though sometimes they are the ones financially supporting the entire extended family. Originality/value This study’s findings show how family separation, ransnational parenthood, and migration experiences particularly affect Haitian igrant women’s mental health and provides relevant information on its onsequences for their quality-of-life. However, it is surprising that having plans to move out was a protective factor against symptoms of depression.