Systemic functioning of Puerto Rican families with a cancer patient: A qualitative-oriented mixed-methods study

Systemic functioning of Puerto Rican families with a cancer patient: A qualitative-oriented mixed-methods study
Journal of Health Psychology; by Nicole M. Vélez Agosto; 4/25
Puerto Ricans are part of marginalized communities that are impacted by health disparities, such as lifestyles, health behaviors and access to care (Simmons et al., 2011). The purpose of study was to assess systemic functioning in Puerto Rican families with a cancer patient using the Spanish translated version of the Family Genogram Interview (FGI) that measures Bowen’s four emotional processes in nuclear family and family of origin. Results suggested an acceptable reliability for the FGI-Spanish and higher presence of symptoms in a spouse or partner, symptoms in family of origin, focus on a child and emotional cutoff in family of origin. Qualitative findings suggested that main concerns for participants were related to family changes surrounding illness and familial roles, consistent with Bowen’s theory and clinical implications for designing systemic interventions for Puerto Rican families.
Assistant Editor's Note: My mom, now deceased, was Puerto Rican. When my dying father was admitted to home hospice, Mom was asked if she wanted the Latino/Spanish-speaking team. She looked at me like this was an absurd question, then conveyed her confusion to the nurse. She was taken aback by the question; almost offended. My mom came to the states at age 16. She never spoke Spanish in the home as my dad was from the states and spoke only English. I commend the hospice team for asking, and not assuming, that a Puerto Rican caregiver would want a Latino team. This example serves as a reminder that culturally sensitive care is person and family-centered, not based on broad ethnic stereotypes.