Problem:
Despite the growing body of research examining psychological and relational strain and resilience associated with expatriate long-distance marital separation, little is known about how spouses' perceived sense of choice versus constraint in the separation shapes emotional and relational outcomes (Hutchings, 2022). This analytical gap is particularly evident within Caribbean sociocultural contexts and is especially salient in Jamaica, where recent research highlights the continued underrepresentation of Jamaican expatriate families in studies of migration-related psychological, familial, and relational outcomes (Hutchings, 2022; Nwankwo & Govia, 2022). This limitation reflects a broader pattern in which nontraditional and underrepresented populations remain insufficiently examined, thereby constraining theoretical development and empirical generalizability (Hutchings, 2022). In light of the fact that economic pressure and structural barriers can render spousal separation effectively unavoidable, understanding left-behind spouses' perceived sense of agency, control, and constraint may be central to explaining variation in emotional well-being and marital adjustment. Yet despite extensive documentation of Caribbean migration patterns, empirical evidence on the mental health and relational experiences of left-behind spouses in the region remains limited.
Based on the above information outlining the justification for the study's significance, suggest why Jamaica may differ (e.g., specific migration patterns, cultural expectations about sacrifice/role duty, structural barriers), which strengthens the rationale for context-specific psychological research. Provide recent peer-reviewed in-text citations and references between 2021-2025. in-tet citations should be included within sentences and paragraphs. Need Assignment Help?