Date of Award
5-2026
Document Type
Project
Degree Name
Master of Social Work
Department
School of Social Work
First Reader/Committee Chair
Barragan, Armando
Abstract
This literature underscores the vital role of protective factors in reducing
acculturative stress among Latinx immigrants. Key factors such as social
support, religious affiliation, familism, and physical activity help contribute to
mitigating the negative effects of acculturation. The Latinx community can
significantly benefit from integrative, culturally responsive interventions informed
by social work frameworks such as ecosystems theory and critical race theory
(CRT) as they are essential in addressing the mental health needs of this
population. Despite existing research, gaps remain in understanding the full
scope of the Latinx immigrant experience, suggesting a need for further
exploration. The expected findings will predict high acculturative stress in Latinx
immigrants due to a lack of protective factors. Implementing these findings into
mental health practices can help alleviate trauma and enhance overall well-being
for Latinx immigrants. This study aims to answer the research question: How do
protective factors mitigate negative outcomes of acculturative stress in the Latinx
immigrant population? The objective of this study is to examine how factors like
social support, religiosity, familism, and physical activity serve as protective
mechanisms against the negative effects of acculturation for Latinx immigrants
utilizing services at Catholic Charities in San Bernardino. Implications for social
work practice include strengthening community networks, promoting religious
iiiand cultural identity, advocating for mental health, supporting family cohesion,
encouraging physical activity, and addressing migration-related trauma. This
qualitative, descriptive study will collect data through focus groups and
open-ended questions, analyze responses through coding, and identify key
themes to generate meaningful insights.
Recommended Citation
Delgado, Andres I. and Tierrablanca, Jamie, "Building Resilience: How Protective Factors Mitigate Acculturative Stress in the Latinx Immigrant Community" (2026). Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations. 2495.
https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd/2495
Included in
Clinical Psychology Commons, Family, Life Course, and Society Commons, Latin American Studies Commons, Race and Ethnicity Commons, Social Justice Commons, Social Psychology and Interaction Commons, Social Work Commons