The Role of Maternal Stress in Mental Health and Telomere Length of Middle Eastern Refugee and Immigrant Children

Abstract

Background:

Childhood and adolescent development are deeply influenced by environmental factors, particularly early adversities and caregiver relationships. Maternal psychological distress (anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress) can adversely affect children’s mental health and developmental outcomes, with these effects often magnified in immigrant and refugee populations. Telomere length (TL), a biomarker of biological aging, has been linked to chronic stress and maternal mental health challenges. This study explores the relationships between maternal psychological distress, psychological symptoms in children and adolescents, and TL among Arab American immigrant and refugee youth.

Methods:

A cross-sectional design was used to collect data from 55 Arab American mothers who had resided in the U.S. for the past decade and their 160 children aged 7 to 17 years. Participants were recruited through community centers in the Midwest, with data collected during home visits. Maternal and child psychological distress were assessed, and TL was measured via buccal swabs using monochrome multiplex quantitative real-time PCR. Two-level Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to evaluate the effects of maternal psychological distress and related factors on child TL.

Results:

The model demonstrated excellent fit (χ²(12) = 15.66, p = .208, CFI = 0.975, TLI = 0.949, RMSEA = 0.044, SRMR = 0.012). Maternal psychological distress was significantly associated with short child TL (β = −.54, p = .002), and children born in their home country exhibited shorter TL than children born after immigration (β = −.66, p = .035). Child anxiety and PTSD symptoms, however, were not significantly associated with TL.

Conclusion:

Findings suggest maternal distress and refugee experiences contribute to telomere attrition, underscoring the need for interventions targeting maternal mental health to improve long-term health outcomes in this population.