Date of Award

2018

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

School Psychology

Abstract

The election of the 45th president of the United States has increased a sense of anxiety, fear, and xenophobia for many in our country. The divisive campaign and current discussion of policy is demeaning towards LGBT communities, people with disabilities, women, and ethnic minorities, specifically the immigrant population. The nation’s current preoccupation with and much deserved attention towards a comprehensive immigration reform and the continuance of immigration into the United States has impacted the rise of anti-Hispanic hate crimes and xenophobia (Shihadeh & Barranco, 2013; Stacey, Carbone-Lopez, & Rosenfeld, 2011; Yakushko, 2009). Educators report an increase in hostility against immigrants in schools (Costello, 2016). A review of the literature regarding immigration, mental health, and school and community climate indicate a need for awareness, understanding and action, placing schools in a critical role in the lived experiences of Latinx immigrant youth (Diaz & Fenning, in press). The study explored the lived experiences of Latinx recent immigrant youth using qualitative research to elicit information for educators on issues relating to Latinx immigration and the potential effects of migration, legal status, family relations and individual factors that may affect mental health. While students report feeling supported in school, there is a contrast in the shared lived experiences. Findings and implications are discussed.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.

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