Grit Under Duress: Stress, Strengths, and Academic Success Among Non-Citizen and Citizen Latina/o First-Generation College Students. (November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: O'Neal, Colleen R.; Espino, Michelle M.; Goldthrite, Antoinette; Morin, Molly F.; Weston, Lynsey; Hernandez, Pamela; Fuhrmann, Amy
• Is Part Of: Hispanic journal of behavioral sciences. Volume 38:Number 4(2016:Nov.)
• Page Start: 446
• Page End: 466
• Publication Date: 2016-11
• Subjects: undocumented college students -- first-generation college students -- Latinas/os -- stress -- achievement; Hispanic Americans -- Mental health -- Periodicals; Hispanic Americans -- Psychology -- Periodicals; 300
• DOI: 10.1177/0739986316660775
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0739-9863

Abstract

Undocumented Latina/o college students face obstacles and stressors; their stressful experiences and academic strengths merit empirical attention. This cross-sectional, mixed-methods study explored stress, depression, grit, and grade point average (GPA) of 84 non-citizen, Latina/o first-generation college students with a comparison group of 180 citizen, Latina/o first-generation college students in Maryland. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 21 non-citizens and 26 citizens, after conducting a quantitative online survey. Immigrant status moderated the relation between depression and GPA in addition to grit and depression. Qualitative findings suggested that stress for citizens and non-citizens centered on financing college, but non-citizens faced additional stress due to policies pertaining to immigration status. Both groups displayed grit in navigating obstacles and contained their emotions with positive self-talk, but most non-citizens did not turn to anyone outside of the family for support. Findings hold implications for ecological processes and achievement among Latina/o undocumented college students.