Citation

Stoddard SA, Garcia CM. J. Child Adolesc. Psychiatr. Nurs. 2011; 24(4): 216-222.

Affiliation

Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1744-6171.2011.00307.x

PMID

22044569

PMCID

PMC3207267

Abstract

PROBLEM:  U.S. Latino youths experience disproportionately high rates of health and social problems. There is a need to identify protective factors for reducing risky behaviors. Little is known about the protective nature of hope among immigrant Latino adolescents. METHODS:  This descriptive cross-sectional study examined hope and expectations for the future in non-U.S.-born Latino adolescents and young adults (n= 98) in urban and rural areas in the midwestern United States. FINDINGS:  Participants reported feeling hopeful about their future; however, differences were detected among subgroups. CONCLUSION:  Findings affirm the potential of hope as a protective factor for immigrant Latino adolescents and young adults. Nurses should be aware of hopefulness when implementing mental health preventive interventions. Research is needed to identify effective mechanisms for promoting and sustaining hope.

Language: en