Category Archives: ACYIG Blog

From Undocumented to DACAmented: Can Changes to Legal Status Impact Psychological Wellbeing?

re-posted from youthcirculations.com

June 15 marks the 5-year anniversary of the DACA program. For the first time, a recent study analyzes DACA’s impacts on recipients’ psychological wellbeing. The results are clear: DACA can make you feel better, though it may not resolve concerns about deportation.

by Caitlin Patler and Whitney Laster Pirtle

Original art by Liliana Alonso and Andres “Rhips” Rivera.

Undocumented immigrant youth in the United States face a host of challenges that impact their psychological wellbeing. Many experience hopelessness, shame and self-blame, anxiety, fear of deportation, and concern about blocked social mobility. One recent study found that undocumented youth experience a loss of “ontological security,” or the inability to count on the stability of the future. Another study led by immigrant youth at the UCLA Dream Resource Center found that undocumented youth struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, and emotional distress related to their status. There have even been reports of suicide among undocumented young people who felt they could not overcome the barriers imposed by their status.

Continue reading From Undocumented to DACAmented: Can Changes to Legal Status Impact Psychological Wellbeing?

‘Uncertain Futures: Communication and Culture in Childhood Cancer Treatment’ reviewed by Cindy Dell Clark

Childhood Cancer: Powerful Words

review by Cindy Dell Clark, PhD.

Uncertain-Futures-209x300Uncertain Futures: Communication and Culture in Childhood Cancer Treatment
by Ignasi Clemente
Wiley-Blackwell, 248 pp, October 2015

With regard to our kids, words we hope never to hear or have to say include “cancer” and “death.” We hope to avoid these words altogether, and when they arise, there is a tendency to shower the children involved with charity, pretense, and diversion: visiting clowns, get-well toys, or, as a last resort, wishes-come-true through the Make-A-Wish Foundation or Kids Wish Network. Justin Bieber alone is said to have participated in some 250 wishes-come-true for children with life-threatening conditions.

Continue reading ‘Uncertain Futures: Communication and Culture in Childhood Cancer Treatment’ reviewed by Cindy Dell Clark

Seeking Student Contributions for the ACYIG Blog

Hi ACYIG members!  Have you been looking for a creative new course assignment to get students excited about the anthropology of children and youth?  Or have you felt like your anthropology students’ written submissions could benefit from a broader audience? How about asking students to write and comment on blog posts?  The ACYIG blog can publish your students’ work in a special student blog series. Continue reading Seeking Student Contributions for the ACYIG Blog