Logo image
Back
Mental health risk factors associated with childhood language brokering
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Mental health risk factors associated with childhood language brokering

Vanessa R. Rainey, Valerie Flores, Robert G. Morrison, E. J. R. David and Rebecca L. Silton
Journal of multilingual and multicultural development, Vol.35(5), pp.463-478
07/29/2014
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01434632.2013.870180
Web of Science ID: WOS:000335089000002

Metrics

127 Record Views
30 Times Cited - Web of Science

Abstract

Serving as a language translator (broker) for family members during childhood can affect cognitive and emotional functions in both beneficial and detrimental ways. Child language brokers translate in a variety of contexts including conversations between their parents and financial, legal and medical professionals. Pressure to be involved in these activities may negatively affect mental health by placing undue stress on child language brokers, while also distracting them from other responsibilities such as school. In this study, the relationship between language brokering during childhood and adolescence and the mental health of bilingual young adults was examined. Overall, language brokers had higher levels of depression. Young adults who previously served as language brokers, particularly during their preadolescent years, had higher levels of anxiety than their bilingual non-brokering counterparts. It is important for parents, educators and mental health professionals to become more aware of the mental health consequences that may arise from language brokering duties, particularly how symptoms vary depending on whether brokering began in childhood or adolescence.

Details

Logo image