Remittance Sending Burden Appraisals

This study explores how remittance-sending is experienced within immigrant families in the United States. Drawing first on qualitative interviews with U.S.-based family members and then on a survey of young adult college students from remittance-sending families (N = 161), we developed a <b>Remittance-Sending Burden Appraisals (RESBA) scale </b>and report evidence of validity. The RESBA captures perceived burden associated with balancing transnational financial obligations and household needs. Analyses show that higher burden appraisals are associated with poorer self-rated mental health, and larger remittance amounts are correlated with earlier initiation of substance use. Findings highlight the relevance of remittance-sending as a family process with potential implications for immigrant youth and family well-being. The RESBA scale offers a tool for researchers and practitioners to further study remittance-related stress.