A Metaphorical Story to Raise Relational Esteem in Mexican American Families of Low Socioeconomic Status

Abstract

Researchers have indicated that members of Mexican American (MA) families of low socioeconomic status (SES) may have low self-esteem due to poverty, the patriarchal structure of the family, isolation, difficulties in acculturation, and alcoholism. The purpose of this research was to address these issues through the telling of a metaphorical story to 30 MA families. A preassessment and postassessment tool was used to measure the impact of a metaphorical story on relational esteem of 110 MA family members. The metaphorical story did not significantly affect the relational esteem of MA families of low SES. The story did have a significant impact on adults but not on children. Implications for metaphorical construction and future studies are discussed.