Latina College Students Research Articles

A LatCrit Analysis of Latina Collegians’ Recollections of Racism in Educational Spaces

ABSTRACT Often noted in educational scholarship is Latinx/a/o students’ experiences of racism that they encounter from peers, faculty, and staff within college contexts. Less discussed, however, are the persistent long-term effects of everyday, racist messages on Latinx/a/o students they received in PreK–12 years and how these forms of marginalization in turn affect how they navigate through college. Using a narrative methodological approach and Latino critical race theory as a framework, we centered the experiences of 12 Latina college students to investigate this question. Findings revealed how these Latinas’ experiences of racism in PreK–12 were shaped by interactions involving family, relying upon their mothers’ teachings in the process. However, when they transitioned to college, their understandings of racism as previously informed by their mothers evolved and became more complex. We then provide implications for practice.

Latinas’ Identity Exploration in STEM During COVID-19

Abstract Latina students’ challenges as a minoritized group in Science, Engineering, Technology, and Mathematics (STEM) programs call for a deeper understanding of their social and academic identities, which are crucial aspects in successfully navigating rigorous STEM programs. Through a qualitative approach, seven Latina college students were interviewed at a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) during COVID-19, to gain insight into their experiences as they develop their social and academic identities. The findings of the study revealed three key factors influencing Latinas’ social and science identity formation: 1) culture and gender experiences prior to and during the pandemic; 2) the ongoing search for a science identity through female role models despite the inadequate representation of Latina STEM faculty; and 3) the participants’ self-advocacy to achieve academic success. Lastly, the continued challenges the students experienced related to the global pandemic, rigorous STEM academic programs, and the need for a coherent science identity were explored.

A Narrative Study Examining Latina Collegians’ Maternal Relationships and Their Influence on Educational Trajectories

ABSTRACT Scholarship on Latinx communities has consistently underscored the role that families play in college students’ educational aspirations and success. Forms of familial empowerment are particularly beneficial as Latinx college students encounter environments and individuals that do not account for their cultural knowledges. A subset of this literature has focused on the gendered dynamics that exist as Latina daughters navigate postsecondary education, especially as they employ lessons and strategies from their mothers. To add to this scholarship, this study engaged a narrative inquiry methodological approach to examine the stories of twelve Latina college students. Informed by a conceptual framework integrating community cultural wealth (CCW) and funds of knowledge, we were interested in how Latina daughters described the influence of their maternal relationships on their educational journeys. Findings illustrated how mothers translated their own funds of knowledge to their daughters; how daughters interpreted this knowledge and, in turn, gained capital; and how they mobilized these capitals to sustain the larger community. We then provide implications for future research and practice.

Do Traditional Gender Role Beliefs Promote Abstinence and Sexual Health Behaviors Among Latina College Students?

Traditional gender role beliefs, or marianismo beliefs, are theorized to be largely protective against health risk behaviors, including sexual risk behaviors among Latina young adults. However, measurement differences across studies and research with heterogeneous samples of abstinent and sexually active Latina young adults have led to unclear findings. Thus, we investigated whether endorsement of certain marianismo beliefs may promote sexual health behaviors or solely promote abstinence. Guided by gender role schema theory, this study investigated the multidimensional construct of marianismo beliefs in relation to past-year abstinence from sexual activity, STI and HIV testing, and condom use among 611 Latina young adults. Results indicated that endorsement of the Virtuous and Chaste belief was associated with decreased odds of sexual activity (i.e., increased odds of being abstinent) in the past year. None of the five marianismo beliefs were significantly linked with condom use. Among sexually active participants, the Virtuous and Chaste belief was associated with decreased likelihood to be tested for both STIs and HIV in the past year. Findings support the notion that certain marianismo beliefs (e.g., the Virtuous and Chaste belief) may promote abstinence, yet pose a risk for sexual health via reduced likelihood for STI and HIV testing. Results may inform culturally-tailored HIV prevention interventions with Latinas to reduce the disproportionate HIV burden in this population.

Young Latina college students’ perspectives on mask-wearing post lifting of mask mandates

Confusion, miscommunication, and debate regarding the benefits of wearing masks, social distancing, and stay-at-home orders ensued for much of the COVID-19 pandemic. Without a consistent message from the government, doubt regarding masks’ effectiveness in preventing the spread of COVID-19 became common and led to an anti-masking effort and resistance to COVID-19 protocols. This qualitative study used thematic analysis to understand experiences of young Latina college students during the pandemic and how these experiences contributed to their decisions to continue following COVID-19 protocols after the lifting of relevant restrictions. Twenty-two Latina college students were interviewed, and interview transcripts were analyzed to identify themes. Four themes emerged: i) disinformation and mistrust, ii) economic impacts, iii) emotional impacts, and iv) maintaining health. Thematic analysis of in-depth interviews allowed for a deeper understanding of health-seeking behaviors of Latina college students. Inconsistent messaging from public health officials during the pandemic contributed to confusion and resistance to the various mandates among participants—the majority of whom, as of this writing (June 2022), have chosen to continue to wear masks and follow other protocols despite public health and university officials lifting mask mandates.

Correlates of Latina college students' dyadic coping with sisters

AbstractObjectiveThis study examined Latina college students' perceptions of sisters' dyadic coping behaviors following stress disclosure, and how dyadic coping behaviors were associated with sibling relationship characteristics and familism values.BackgroundSibling relationships are protective when college students experience adversity.MethodThe sample included 195 Latina college students (Mage = 23.25 years, SD = 1.93) and path analysis was conducted to address the study goals.ResultsLatina college students perceived high levels of supportive, delegated, and common dyadic coping behaviors and moderate levels of negative dyadic coping behaviors from their sisters. Latina college students who lived with their sisters perceived more delegated dyadic coping behaviors than those who lived apart. Sibling intimacy was positively associated with perceptions of sisters' supportive, delegated, and common dyadic coping, but was not associated with negative dyadic coping behaviors. Sibling negativity was negatively associated with perceptions of sisters' supportive and common dyadic coping behaviors and positively associated with perceptions of sisters' negative dyadic coping behaviors. Further, Latina college students' stronger endorsement of familism values was associated with greater perceptions of sisters' supportive, delegated, and common dyadic coping behaviors.ConclusionOverall, our study showed that Latina college students perceived dyadic coping behaviors from their sisters, which were associated with aspects of their sibling relationship and their endorsement of familism values.ImplicationsContinuing to examine dyadic coping in siblings is important as it may have implications for family‐focused prevention and intervention programs.

Perceived discrimination and Latina college students' depressive symptoms: The roles of dyadic coping with sisters and familism values.

Latinx young adults' experiences of discrimination are associated with high levels of depressive symptoms and examining protective factors that buffer the negative consequences of discrimination is important. In a sample of 195 Latina college students, predominately of Mexican origin, we examined associations between perceived discrimination and depressive symptoms, and how sisters' dyadic coping behaviors and familism values moderated this association. We conducted hierarchical regression analyses to test our study hypotheses. We found that Latina college students who were older sisters reported more conflictual and antagonistic sibling relationships, or who perceived higher levels of discrimination also reported the most depressive symptoms, which supports prior research. Importantly, Latina college students who strongly endorsed supportive, obligatory, and referent familism values reported fewer depressive symptoms. Supportive familism values weakened the association between perceived discrimination and Latina college students' depressive symptoms but strengthened associations between sisters' negative dyadic coping behaviors and depressive symptoms. Furthermore, sisters' negative dyadic coping behaviors strengthened the positive association between perceived discrimination and depressive symptoms. Our findings highlight the importance of familism values for Latinx young adults' well-being, as well as the harmful effects of perceived discrimination, particularly in the context of sisters' negative dyadic coping behaviors.

Associations Between Ethnic Identity Commitment, Discrimination, and Sexism With Sexual Risk Among Latina College Students.

According to intersectionality theory, oppression predisposes individuals from disadvantaged groups to experience disparities in health. Such disparities are evident in the sexual health among college-aged Latina women living in the U.S., who tend to report significantly higher rates of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies than their White peers. Guided by intersectionality theory, the present study examined sexual risk behaviors (i.e., inconsistent condom use, number of sexual partners) in relation to ethnic identity development and reported experiences of discrimination and sexism among 450 Latina college students (ages 18-26 years old). Notably, results indicated that Latinas who reported relatively lower levels of ethnic identity commitment had, on average, approximately five more sexual partners when they had reported greater lifetime experiences of sexism. Findings highlight how sexist experiences contributed to an increased number of partners among Latinas reporting relatively lower levels of ethnic identity commitment, demonstrating that strong ethnic identity commitment was protective against risk in accordance with past research. Results indicate a continued need for sexual health interventions with Latina college students.

Latina First-Generation College Students’ Motivation to Persist: An Attribution Theory and Self-determination Theory Perspective

ABSTRACT Fifty-two strongly committed, first-generation Latina women attending a predominantly white institution (PWI) were asked how their first-generation status has had an impact on their college experience and where they see themselves in five years. Written responses to these questions were analyzed from the lens of attribution theory and self-determination theory. Findings show that first-generation Latina college students remain optimistic that they can achieve their goals, which enhances their self-determination to work hard to overcome obstacles. They take proactive steps to find student resources when needed and take pride in their ability to wade through the challenges of the help-seeking process. Through their association with peers from similar backgrounds, students draw strength from the knowledge that they are not alone. Fostered by their strong ethnic identity, many students envision themselves in careers that will help improve the lives of members in low-income Latino communities, a goal aligned with their values and sense of self.

Predictors of Latina Undergraduate Psychology Students’ Resilience

In the face of environmental adversities, Latina college students demonstrate resilience. A psychosocial framework was applied in this study to evaluate perceptions of barriers (i.e., environmental risk), COVID-19 distress (i.e., personal vulnerability), social support (i.e., environmental protective), and mindfulness (i.e., personal strength) as predictors of Latina students’ resilience. Only social support and mindfulness contributed to resilience after controlling for demographic factors. Findings enhance strengths-based literature in resilience and have theoretical, research, and practical implications.

Filial responsibility, bicultural competence, and socioemotional well-being among Latina college students.

Filial responsibility includes instrumental and expressive caregiving. Research on the perceptions of filial responsibility has examined perceived unfairness-the perception of the lack of equity and mutuality in the distribution of such tasks. Previous research on filial responsibility among Latinx young adults is inconsistent and limited but has indicated that examining dimensions of filial responsibility is key to understanding its impact on socioemotional outcomes. Furthermore, it is important to consider how dimensions of bicultural competence (comfort, facility, and advantages perceived in navigating two cultural contexts), moderate these relations. The current study examined filial responsibility and socioemotional well-being among Latina college students. We also examined the moderating role of dimensions of bicultural competence. Latina college students (N = 312, Mage = 19.12, SD = 1.15) provided self-reports on filial responsibility, bicultural competence, depressive symptoms, and self-esteem. Stepwise regression and moderation analyses were conducted to examine the aims of the study. For filial responsibility, we found that expressive caregiving related to more depressive symptoms. Instrumental caregiving is related to higher self-esteem. Perceived unfairness was related to more depressive symptoms and lower self-esteem. Although the global measure of bicultural competence was not a significant moderator, certain dimensions of bicultural competence moderated these relations. Bicultural facility amplified the relations between expressive caregiving and depressive symptoms. Bicultural comfort amplified the relation between perceived unfairness and depressive symptoms. Bicultural comfort and advantages amplified the relations between perceived unfairness and self-esteem. The study has implications for improving the socioemotional well-being of Latina college students. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Intolerance of Uncertainty and DSM-5 PTSD Symptom Severity among Trauma Exposed Latina College Women

ABSTRACT Approximately 56 to 84% of college students report having experienced at least one lifetime traumatic or adverse life event. However, little is known about trauma exposure among Latina college students and the association of cognitive vulnerabilities to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms among this population. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to: (a) explore the traumatic events experienced by 436 Latina college women, and (b) examine the unique contribution of intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and its two subscales (prospective and inhibitory IU) to PTSD-5 symptom severity among the 263 (76%) trauma-exposed Latina college women in the sample. Most frequently reported trauma events included interpersonal bullying and ridicule, attempted sexual assault, traumatic bereavement, and life-threatening accident or natural disaster. As expected, when controlling for college stress and anxiety sensitivity: (a) IU scores were associated with overall PTSD symptom severity and with two of the four PTSD-5 cluster symptoms, arousal/reactivity, and negative alteration in cognition/mood, and (b) IU was not associated with the PTSD-5 intrusion cluster symptoms’ severity. Inconsistent with expectations, IU was not uniquely associated with the avoidance of PTSD-5 cluster symptoms. Paralysis in the face of uncertainty (inhibitory IU) was more strongly related to PTSD symptom severity than concerns regarding anticipated uncertainty (prospective IU). Results suggest that IU is a transdiagnostic cognitive vulnerability that plays a unique role in relation to PTSD symptom severity among trauma exposed Latina college women. Therefore, interventions to ameliorate IU could complement established psychological and pharmacological PTSD treatments with this population.

Institutional Context of Perceived Discrimination, Acculturative Stress, and Depressive Symptoms among Latina College Students

ABSTRACT This study examined the influence of institutional environment (PWIs and HSIs) on perceived discrimination, acculturative stress, and depression. Data were obtained from Latina college students across 30 U.S. universities. Findings indicated language-related acculturative stress and the pressure to acculturate explained the relationship between perceived discrimination and depressive symptoms. Students attending an HSI who reported pressure to acculturate were more likely to experience depression.

Traditional feminine gender roles, alcohol use, and protective behavioral strategies among Latina college students

Objective Studies conducted with Latina/o populations suggest there are gendered norms surrounding drinking behavior, but research examining alcohol use among Latina college students in the context of traditional feminine gender role (TFGR) norms, is scarce. Participants and Methods: 405 Latina undergraduates completed a web-based study of sociocultural factors and alcohol use. Path analyses assessed the relation between TFGR , alcohol use, and alcohol-related protective behavioral strategies (PBS). Results A dimension of TFGR characterized by purity was related to (a) reduced alcohol use in general, and (b) PBS designed to modify the manner of drinking among drinkers. In turn, this dimension of PBS related to a lower likelihood of experiencing drunkenness. Conclusions These findings support the notion that enacting some dimensions of TFGR among Latina college students may limit general alcohol use (directly) and high-risk drinking (indirectly through use of PBS), while enacting other dimensions may place Latinas at risk of alcohol misuse.

Small Town Values: Exploring the Values of Latina College Students from Rural Communities

ABSTRACTThis multiple-case study sought to understand the values of Latina college students from rural communities and how those values impacted their choices concerning higher education. Archival records, artifacts, interviews, and other documents created a holistic view of each individual case. A Chicana feminist framework allowed researchers to examine how the participants’ Latina identity, as well as their rural communities, informed their values. Analysis of the data revealed the responsibility that students felt toward their family and community as well as the important role of matriarchs in the formation of the young women’s values and behavior.

Acculturative Stress and Body Image of Latina College Students Attending PWIs and HSIs

Acculturative Stress and Body Image of Latina College Students Attending PWIs and HSIs

Microaggressions and Ethnic Identity in the Career Development of Latina College Students

Counseling psychologists have noted the importance of examining the intersection of sociocultural identity and vocational psychology. In our study, we considered this intersection in a sample of 202 Latina college and graduate students from a perspective informed by social cognitive career theory. We examined how ethnic identity and experiences of self-reported microagressions were related to career decision self-efficacy and outcome expectations, including relationships to both positive and negative outcome expectations in our model. Findings indicated that higher endorsement of ethnic identity was positively related to career decision self-efficacy and to negative outcome expectations, whereas higher endorsement of experiences of microaggressions was related to lower career-decision self-efficacy, greater negative outcome expectations, and lower positive outcome expectations. Career decision self-efficacy was associated with lower negative outcome expectations and higher positive outcome expectations. Indirect relationships and two alternative models were also explored. We discuss implications for future research and career counseling with Latinas.

The Relationships Among Perceived Discrimination, Marianismo Gender Role Attitudes, Racial-Ethnic Socialization, Coping Styles, and Mental Health Outcomes in Latina College Students.

The current study examined the links between perceived discrimination, marianismo gender role beliefs, racial-ethnic socialization (preparation for bias), coping strategies (engagement vs. disengagement), and mental health outcomes among 211 Latina college students. First, the authors investigated predictions about mediation effects of ethnic socialization and marianismo in the association between perceived discrimination and coping strategies. Second, they tested predictions about mediation effects of coping strategies in the link between perceived discrimination and mental health outcomes. Results of path analyses showed that perceived discrimination was positively related to familismo and spiritual marianismo pillars, preparation for bias, and engagement coping strategies. Furthermore, the link between perceived discrimination and engagement coping strategies was partially mediated via preparation for bias. Finally, perceived discrimination, disengagement coping strategies and self-silencing marianismo attitudes were negatively linked to mental health. Overall, these findings highlight the complex ways in which coping strategies are linked with one's ethnic and gender socialization and related to perceived discrimination and mental health outcomes. El presente estudio examinó las relaciones entre la discriminación percibida, la socialización étnicaracial (preparación de discriminación), roles de marianismo creencias, estrategias (de compromiso frente a la desconexión) y los resultados de salud mental entre los 211 estudiantes universitarias Latinas. Primero, se investigó predicciones sobre los efectos de mediación de socialización étnica y el marianismo en la asociación entre las estrategias de afrontamiento y la discriminación percibida. También, investigamos las predicciones acerca de los efectos de mediación de las estrategias de supervivencia en la relación entre la discriminación percibida y el salud mental. Los resultados de los análisis mostraron que discriminación percibida fue relacionado positivamente con la preparación para la discriminación, el familismo y pilares Marianismo espirituales, así como las estrategias de participación de afrontamiento. Además, la relación entre las estrategias de afrontamiento de compromiso y la discriminación percibida fue parcialmente mediada a través de la preparación de discriminación. Finalmente, la discriminación percibida, las estrategias de afrontamiento y "selfsilencing" Marianismo actitudes estaban relacionado negativamente a la salud mental. En general, estos resultados ponen de relieve las complejas formas en que las estrategias de afrontamiento están vinculados con la propia socialización étnica y de género y relacionadas con la discriminación percibida y los resultados de salud mental.

Pathways to sports leadership for Latinas in U.S. higher education

ABSTRACTThis paper investigates how U.S. Latina college students can attain leadership roles in college athletics. The theoretical framework used in this paper is Cultural Identity Theory (CIT). CIT posits that people carry and communicate several kinds of cultural characteristics (e.g., ethnic, national, and social class traits). While these cultural identities can remain strong over time, they can also fluctuate in significant situations, relationships, and life phases. In this paper, several case studies of successful U.S. Latina college athletes are included to demonstrate how CIT can support those athletes’ embracing of their identity (so as to gain pathways to sports leadership).

HPV Vaccine recommendations: does a health care provider’s gender and ethnicity matter to Unvaccinated Latina college women?

ABSTRACTObjectives: There are disparities in the uptake of HPV vaccine among racial/ethnic minority women. The strongest predictor of HPV vaccine uptake among adult women is health care provider (HCP) recommendation; however, it is unclear how issues relating to race/ethnicity may mitigate these recommendations. Research shows that racial/ethnic and gender concordance between a patient and HCP can improve patient satisfaction, access and quality of care. If concordance contributes to improved patient-provider interactions, then it may be a factor in patient decisions regarding HPV vaccination. The objectives of this study were to (1) explore gender and ethnicity HCP preference regarding HPV vaccination among unvaccinated; and (2) understand factors associated with those preferences.Design: Unvaccinated Latina college students (n = 187) completed a survey that assessed HCP preferences, medical mistrust, cultural assimilation and HPV vaccine recommendation. Logistic regression models evaluated associations between above variables with HPV knowledge and preference for a female and/or Latina HCP.Results: Most respondents had health insurance (71%), a regular HCP (64%), were US-born (67%), with foreign-born parents (74%). Thirty-four percent and 18% agreed that they would be more likely to get the HPV vaccine if the recommending HCP was female and Latino, respectively. Latina women reporting higher medical mistrust preferred a HPV vaccine recommendation from a Latino/a provider.Conclusions: Latinas’ preferences regarding gender and ethnicity of their HCPs may affect patient-provider interactions. Increasing diversity and cultural awareness among HCPs, and providing linguistically and culturally-appropriate information may decrease patient-provider mistrust, increase uptake of the HPV vaccine, and decrease persistent cervical cancer disparities.