Identity, Support and Gender Equity: An Exploratory Study of Latina Youth and Their Psychosocial Needs

Background: The state of adolescent Latinas in the U.S. is not fully understood or known, but the few statistics that have been reported depict them as an at-risk population. For instance, young Latinas are vulnerable to suicidal ideation, sexual assault, community violence, and human trafficking. In order to address the research gaps, this exploratory study applied a mixed-methods approach and focused on discovering the psychosocial needs of Latinas attending middle and high schools in low income neighborhoods. Latina students from Southern California middle and high schools participated in a one-day empowerment convening. At the convening, participants completed the Developmental Assets Profile (DAP) Survey and engaged in focus groups assessing their life attitudes and behaviors. The analyses shed light on the girls’ current perceptions of well-being and developmental needs.

Methods: Sixty-one girls aged 13-17 were voluntary recruited from public middle and high schools located in Southern California. The vast majority of youth were of Latino/a descent (91%) and attending schools in a district that had over 80% of students receiving free/reduced meals. All of the participants were administered the DAP Survey and were randomly assigned to seven focus groups of 8-10 girls. Each focus group was led by a female adult educator and lasted between 45 minutes to 1 hour. Each session was recorded and later transcribed. The following four overall questions were addressed: (1) what challenges do girls face in today’s society? (2) What resources do they need? (3) What are their aspirations? And (4) what is it like to be a girl in the 21^st Century?

Results: The DAP Survey results suggest that participants showed lower mean scores when compared to overall youth (per the literature) in the following three subscales: Constructive Use of Time, Positive Values, and Positive Identity. Particularly troubling are the low mean scores on the Positive Identity subscale items which include six items: Feels in control (M=2.65; SD=0.94), positive self-esteem (M=2.58; SD=0.90), good future (M=2.81; SD=0.80), manages frustration (M=2.61; SD=0.84), overcomes challenges (M=2.94; SD=0.78), and sense of purpose (M=3.00; SD=0.85).  

Thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo software and within a grounded theory approach. Initial results complement the survey findings highlighting low levels of positive identity such as self-esteem and perceived ability to overcome challenges. The following themes were identified:

1. Double standard – Participants felt adults and others treated them differently than boys. Often they were judged more negatively on their appearances, including the clothes and make-up they wore.
2. Support system – Participants were not sure who to talk to about issues and challenges and/or what resources were available to treat depression and anxiety.
3. Fitting in – Participants felt pressured to fit in the dominant group’s expectations.

Implications: The findings from this exploratory study and regional sample suggest that building positive identity, support systems and reducing gender based inequities for Latina adolescents in the U.S. may be important assets to ending sexual assault, human trafficking, and community violence. Further research studies from a social justice (critical-intersectional approach) within broader contexts are recommended.