Family and Work Influences on the Transition to College Among Latina Adolescents

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of family obligations and part-time work on Latina adolescents' stress and academic achievement during the transition to college. One hundred seventeen Latina college students from immigrant families completed surveys assessing the mother-daughter relationship, family obligations, work-school conflict, school and work-related stress, and academic achievement. Path analyses revealed a complex set of relations among family, work, and school variables. Latina students who spent more time with family experienced lower school stress and higher academic achievement. However, those who more frequently engaged in language brokering (i.e., translating for parents) experienced higher school stress. In addition, students experiencing higher levels of work-school conflict had increased stress levels in work and school, as well as lower academic achievement. This study has important implications for educators and community-based organizations wishing to promote Latina adolescents' pursuit of higher education.