Remittance-Sending Burden Appraisals: Mixed-Methods Insights and Scale Development in U.S. Latine Families

Immigrant families often send remittances to relatives abroad, a practice that sustains family ties but can strain household resources. This study examined how remittance-sending is appraised by U.S.-based family members and introduced the Remittance-Sending Burden Appraisals (RESBA) scale. Qualitative interviews with 10 family members were conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic to explore their experience with remittance-sending. These insights informed the development of the RESBA, which was tested with a survey of young adult college students from remittance-sending families in California ( N = 161). Psychometric properties and associations with health outcomes were assessed. Interviews revealed both positive and negative appraisals of remittance-sending. In the survey, higher RESBA scores were associated with poorer mental health, and greater remittance amounts were correlated with earlier substance use initiation. Remittance-sending may function as a family stressor with implications for youth well-being. The RESBA provides a tool for identifying remittance-related burden and could support practitioners and organizations working with immigrant families.