Cultural stressors experienced by young Latinas with depressive symptoms living in a tumultuous sociopolitical climate in the United States

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to describe the cultural stressors experienced by Latina young women with depressive symptoms from 2016-2018 in the United States. Twenty-four Latina young women (mean age=16.7 years) participated in this qualitative descriptive study. Content analysis of interviews revealed four cultural stressors: Parental oversight, pressure to succeed, being treated differently, and fears of deportation. Experiences with cultural stressors varied across generational status. Clinicians should provide Latina young women with a safe space for discussing cultural stressors, assess how they are managing their stress, and advocate for policies that will benefit the well-being of Latina young women.