Post-traumatic Growth in Sexual Minority Latinas: An Intersectional Exploration of Cumulative and Systemic Stress and Trauma Exposures
Erica S Garcia
10.25394/PGS.9176231.v1
https://hammer.purdue.edu/articles/thesis/Post-traumatic_Growth_in_Sexual_Minority_Latinas_An_Intersectional_Exploration_of_Cumulative_and_Systemic_Stress_and_Trauma_Exposures/9176231
There is a limited amount of research that explores the potential growth and experiences of sexual
minority Latinas (SMLs). Using an intersectionality informed framework, this study explored
SMLs post-traumatic growth (PTG) process following systemic traumas/stressors such as
heterosexism and racial/ethnic discrimination, and cumulative stressors and traumas. A survey
with both qualitative and quantitative questions was administered to 171 participants. It was
hypothesized that cumulative trauma, socio-demographic characteristics, outness, and family
acceptance would be positively related to higher PTG, while heterosexism and the intersection of
both heterosexism and racial/ethnic discrimination would be related to lower PTG. A hierarchical
regression was used and found that the post-traumatic growth inventory (PTGI) was a valid
measure for Latina/Chicana sexual minorities and that SMLs experienced above moderate levels
of PTG. Religion, age, outness, and heterosexism was positively associated with higher self-reported PTG, while family rejection and the intersection of heterosexism and racial/ethnic
discrimination lowered PTG. Three qualitative themes emerged providing insights on SMLs self-defined growth. Clinical implications for marriage and family therapists and areas for future
research are discussed.
2019-10-16 18:24:15
posttraumatic growth
LGBTQ
Family studies
Intersectionality
Latina women
sexual minorities
trauma exposures
discrimination measures
marriage and family therapy
Racial discrimination
Ethnic discrimination
sexual orientation
Qualitative Investigation
Quantitative Analysis
Cumulative Trauma Disorders
Religion and spirituality
heterosexism
Coming out
Psychology not elsewhere classified
Mental Health
Gender Psychology