garcia_thesis.pdf (771.21 kB)
Download filePost-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