Date of Award
Summer 8-22-2026
Document Type
Doctoral Research Paper
Degree Name
Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology
Organizational Unit
Graduate School of Professional Psychology
First Advisor
Kelly Elliott
Second Advisor
Judith E. Fox
Third Advisor
Kelsey Kuperman
Copyright Statement / License for Reuse
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Keywords
Structural vulnerability, Immigrant and refugee mental health, Infant and early childhood mental health (IECMH), Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, Ecological systems framework, Community-based intervention
Abstract
Immigrant and refugee caregivers face unique, intersecting challenges that heighten their vulnerability to mental health and well-being concerns. This paper examines the structural factors that make navigating parenthood particularly challenging for this population. Using Bronfenbrenner’s ecological framework, this paper synthesizes existing literature on structural vulnerability, caregiver and child mental health, and the current community-based programming landscape in Colorado, where immigrant and refugee communities comprise about 10% of the population and face substantial barriers to mental health care access. Drawing on this synthesis, the paper proposes practice and policy recommendations across multiple ecological levels, from individual and provider-level interventions to systems and policy changes. Solutions must move beyond individual-level care toward a layered, multi-system, culturally responsive, and community-embedded approach that honors the resilience of these communities while addressing the structural factors producing their vulnerability.
Copyright Date
7-15-2026
Publication Statement
Copyright is held by the author. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.
Rights Holder
Mansi Vijay Lakhyani
Provenance
Received from author
File Format
application/pdf
Language
English (eng)
Extent
38 pgs
File Size
259 KB
Recommended Citation
Lakhyani, Mansi Vijay, "Structural Vulnerability and Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health: Community-Based Supports for Immigrants and Refugee Caregivers" (2026). Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects. 598.
https://digitalcommons.du.edu/capstone_masters/598
Included in
Child Psychology Commons, Clinical Psychology Commons, Community Health Commons, Community Psychology Commons, Other Mental and Social Health Commons