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Perceived Educational Barriers, Cultural Fit, Coping Responses, and Psychological Well-Being of Latina Undergraduates

University of Wisconsin–Madison

Jeanett Castellanos

University of California–Irvine

Veronica Orozco

Ohio State University

Given the unique educational experiences and disproportional representation of Latinas in higher education, this study examined how Latinas’ perception of educational barriers and cultural fit influenced their coping responses and subsequent well-being in college. Participants (N = 98) were primarily second-generation Mexican-heritage women who were highly motivated to pursue advanced graduate training. Differences by generation and educational characteristics were not found. Cultural congruity and the coping response of taking a planned, positive action were the strongest predictors of psychological well-being accounting for 31% of the variance. The study’s findings challenge stereo-types of Latina students in higher education, as they valued higher education, believed that they could overcome any barriers to achieve their educational goals, and used active coping responses, which informed their positive and healthy functioning.

Key Words: Latina • undergraduates • coping responses

Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, Vol. 27, No. 2, 161-183 (2005)
DOI: 10.1177/0739986305275097


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