garcia_thesis.pdf (771.21 kB)
Post-traumatic Growth in Sexual Minority Latinas: An Intersectional Exploration of Cumulative and Systemic Stress and Trauma Exposures
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.
History
Degree Type
- Master of Science
Department
- Child Development and Family Studies
Campus location
- Hammond
Advisor/Supervisor/Committee Chair
Anne EdwardsAdditional Committee Member 2
Megan MurphyAdditional Committee Member 3
J. Maria BermudezUsage metrics
Keywords
posttraumatic growthLGBTQFamily studiesIntersectionalityLatina womensexual minoritiestrauma exposuresdiscrimination measuresmarriage and family therapyRacial discriminationEthnic discriminationsexual orientationQualitative InvestigationQuantitative AnalysisCumulative Trauma DisordersReligion and spiritualityheterosexismComing outPsychology not elsewhere classifiedMental HealthGender Psychology
Licence
Exports
RefWorks
BibTeX
Ref. manager
Endnote
DataCite
NLM
DC