Date of Conferral
2020
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Psychology
Advisor
Reba Glidewell
Abstract
Latino youth at the violent forefront of the U.S.-Mexico border face traumatic events daily. The present study examined Latino youths’ resiliency to the violence that they face and what factors help them cope. A quantitative research approach based upon resilience theory explored social support, perceived traumatic events, and resiliency in 134 Latino youth ages 18 to 19 years who lived near the Texas-Mexico border and had witnessed, had been involved in, or had family members involved in cartel-related violence. Measurement of participants’ family and social supports along with their perceived traumatic events enabled a comparison of these scores with the individual resiliency of the participants. The results of the study showed no correlation between family social support and resiliency; however, there was a significant positive relationship between social support and optimism resiliency. Governments may draw upon these findings to implement programs and support systems for children facing adversity in areas with a high risk of violence. Furthermore, resources allocated to building social support systems may aid resiliency across other ethnicities and races.
Recommended Citation
Garcia Reyna, Kasandra, "Resiliency in Latino Youth Experiencing Cartel Violence and Other Perceived Traumatic Events" (2020). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 8534.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/8534
