Abstract

Resilience research has done much to shift attention away from a deficit perspective in mental health theory and practice to a more strength-based approach. Despite often being cited as one of the populations most at risk for negative developmental outcomes, some Latino/a youth demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity. To further expand knowledge and understanding of resilience and protective processes among U.S.-born Latino/a youth, the current study sought to integrate existing findings related to protective factors identified in research associated with parenting as well as other areas of development with those being generated in the field of resilience with this population. Moreover, the present study reviewed research investigating resilience and protective factors/processes among U.S.-born Latino/a youth to determine if the results of these studies coincide with 4 themes previously identified by Berger Cardosa and Thompson in 2010 among immigrant Latino/a families. By and large, research included in the current review of the literature coincided with the 4 themes presented in the aforementioned study; namely, studies related to resilience and protective processes among U.S.-born Latino/a youth generally fell into the following 4 themes: individual characteristics, family strengths, cultural factors, and community supports. However, although many of the factors and protective processes involved in resilience are not unique to U.S.-born Latinos/as, what is specific to them is a nuanced manifestation of culture within the spaces they occupy as a result of nativity and generational status.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Dissertations (PsyD) -- Psychology; Resilience (Personality trait); Hispanic American youth -- United States; Hispanic American families -- United States

Date of Award

2016

School Affiliation

Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Department/Program

Psychology

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctorate

Faculty Advisor

Gallardo, Miguel E.;

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