Date of Award
5-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
Department
Educational Leadership
First Reader/Committee Chair
Murillo, Enrique
Abstract
This study explores the experiences of Latino first-generation college students (FGCS) in California’s Inland Empire, focusing on family achievement guilt—the emotional tension felt when academic success surpasses that of family members. Rooted in familismo and cultural expectations, this phenomenon can lead to self-doubt, stress, and academic struggles, particularly for Latino males in community colleges. This qualitative study uses a phenomenological approach and testimonios to examine how participants navigate familial obligations, cultural expectations, and academic identities. Findings indicate that while family achievement guilt creates emotional and psychological barriers, students develop resilient coping strategies, including mentorship, peer support, and reframing education as a tool for family upliftment rather than detachment. This study highlights the need for culturally responsive institutional support to validate Latino FGCS experiences and mitigate achievement guilt. Insights from this research inform higher education policies and practices aimed at fostering academic success among Latino FGCS.
Recommended Citation
Robles, Thomas C., "ELEVÁNDOSE MÁS ALLÁ DE LA CULPA: NAVIGATING FAMILY ACHIEVEMENT GUILT AND FAMILISMO IN THE ACADEMIC JOURNEYS OF LATINO MALE FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS IN THE INLAND EMPIRE" (2025). Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations. 2250.
https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd/2250
Included in
Adult and Continuing Education Commons, Community College Education Administration Commons, Community College Leadership Commons, Educational Leadership Commons, Family and Consumer Sciences Commons, Higher Education Administration Commons, Holistic Education Commons, Other Educational Administration and Supervision Commons, Social Justice Commons, Urban Education Commons