Abstract
This systematic review provides a narrative synthesis of the trauma symptom manifestation in the undocumented Latinx immigrant population, how acculturation impacts trauma symptom manifestation, and what interventions have been shown to be effective in treating trauma symptoms with this population. Using specific search terms, the PsycINFO and Scopus databases were searched. After a review of the full-text, a total of 26 articles met the inclusion criteria. Results indicated that undocumented Latinx immigrants present with trauma symptoms associated with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), somatic symptoms, and symptoms associated with ataque de nervios (i.e., a cultural idiom of distress. Results related to acculturation indicated a minor correlation between acculturation and trauma symptoms. Evidence-based practices (EBPs) and community-based approaches were found to be effective in treating trauma symptoms in the undocumented Latinx population when modifications were made to the treatment protocol based on cultural considerations.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Noncitizens—Mental health; Post-traumatic stress disorder: Acculturation—Psychological aspects; Hispanic Americans—Mental health; Latin Americans—Mental health
Date of Award
2025
School Affiliation
Graduate School of Education and Psychology
Department/Program
Psychology
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctorate
Faculty Advisor
Miguel E. Gallardo
Recommended Citation
Lopez, Daniel, "The efficacy of trauma-informed treatment for undocumented Latinx immigrants with manifestation of trauma symptoms: a systematic review" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 1651.
https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/etd/1651