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