Ana Laura Perez-Ternent
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Jacinta Beehner
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Psychology / LSA
Program:
Authors: Ana Laura Perez Ternent, Paloma Contreras
Session: Session 3: 11:00 am – 11: 50 am
Poster: 30
Abstract
Water insecurity is a complex phenomenon that affects multiple aspects of daily life, such as cleaning practices, healthy behaviors, water collection routines, food preparation, etc. Research shows that water insecurity has a strong influence on psychosocial distress. Yet, the specific aspects of water insecurity driving psychosocial stress have not been described in detail. This stress is influenced by the mental models and cultural expectations communities have about water and, at times, it promotes practices that enforce poverty traps. Women experience this stress in unique ways, due to social norms and gender roles. Therefore, a gendered perspective is necessary in this analysis. Specifically, this study aims to determine which aspect of water insecurity is perceived as the most stressful by women living in a broad range of water insecurity contexts. In this study, we analyze the results of surveys and semi-structured interviews given to 400 participants in Iztapalapa, Mexico City. We evaluate the possible connections between psychological stress, chronic illness, and two consequences of water insecurity: a. limitations in hygiene practices and b. water worry or fear of water scarcity. This study will provide a holistic and sociocultural perspective on the lived experience of water insecurity and its impacts on health and well-being.
