Abstract

In the context of the volatile political climate surrounding immigration in the United States, Latina emerging adult women must navigate their intersectional identity with this added intersection potentially affecting their experiences. This mixed-methods study explores hypothesized links between R/S coping, social support, and stress on political anxiety and joy in 16 Latina emerging adult women (19-25 years). Participants completed short surveys and uploaded captioned photographs. Bivariate correlation results suggest that racism stress is positively correlated with political anxiety (r = .553, p = .04). Content analysis coding, facilitated by Photovoice methods, yielded four central themes of joy: a) social ties, b) social support, c) gozando (play or enjoyable activities), and d) distractions. A current events timeline contextualized quantitative and qualitative results. Findings can be incorporated into mental health practitioners' interventions for Latina emerging adult women navigating distressing events, as well as institutions creating events for Latina emerging adult women to form social connections.

Advisor

Hope, Meredith

Second Advisor

Biro Walters, Jordan

Department

Psychology; Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Disciplines

Community Psychology | Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies | Other Psychology

Publication Date

2026

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2026 Lacey Mindock