Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 17, 2026

A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents
Published on: July 10, 2017
Positive youth development and mental health in Latine adolescents experiencing discrimination: A mixed-methods study
Natalie Guerrero1, Fangqian Ouyang1, Dale D'Lima2
1Indiana University School of Medicine, USA.
Background:
The role of Positive Youth Development (PYD) and prosocial involvement in buffering the impact of racial-ethnic discrimination among Latine adolescents remains understudied.
Objective:
To examine whether PYD and community-level opportunities and rewards for prosocial involvement moderate the association between discrimination and depressive symptoms and suicidality in Latine adolescents through a mixed methods approach.
Methods:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Latine adolescents (N = 110), assessing racial-ethnic discrimination (Everyday Discrimination Scale [EDS]), depressive symptoms and suicidality (Mood and Feelings Questionnaire [MFQ]), PYD (PYD Short Form), and community-level opportunities and rewards for prosocial involvement (Communities That Care scales). Linear and logistic regression models examined predictors of depressive symptoms and suicidality. Moderation was tested with interaction terms. Semi-structured interviews were completed with a nested sample of adolescents and caregivers (N = 18 dyads). A thematic analysis of interviews with a focus on the role of PYD was conducted.
Results:
EDS scores were associated with higher MFQ scores and suicidality. PYD factors and community-level opportunities and rewards for prosocial involvement were associated with lower MFQ scores and suicidality. These trends were generally consistent in adjusted regressions. None of the PYD factors, nor community-level opportunities and rewards for prosocial involvement, moderated these relationships. Qualitative findings identified youth-described processes consistent with PYD that appeared to support coping in the context of discrimination.
Conclusions:
PYD factors and community-level opportunities and rewards for prosocial involvement are associated with improved mental health among Latine adolescents but may not be sufficient to buffer the harmful effects of racial-ethnic discrimination.
Related Concept Videos
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
Bullying
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth. This guiding role...
Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
Cognitive Development During Adolescence