Mental health stigma remains prevalent among Latinx populations (DeFreitas et al., 2018; DuPont-Reyes et al., 2020; Eghaneyan & Murphy, 2020). Cultural values and beliefs such as familismo, machismo, and marianismo add further dimensions to this complex phenomenon. Cultural values can influence mental health outcomes and help-seeking behaviors of Latinx individuals (Corona et al., 2017; Cupito et al., 2015; Nunez et al., 2015; Sanchez et al., 2020). Although cultural values such as familismo can serve as mental health protective factors (Corona et al., 2017; Cupito et al., 2015), endorsement of traditional gender roles (or belief in machismo or marianismo values) is associated with diminished mental health functioning. Previous research has established that higher levels of marianismo beliefs are associated with higher levels of psychological distress and depressive symptoms in Latina college students (Corona et al., 2017; Nunez et al., 2015; Sanchez et al., 2020). As the prevalence of mental health challenges among Latina college students continues to increase, mental health professionals must prepare to effectively support this population. The goal of this study is to determine if there is a correlation between marianismo beliefs and mental health help-seeking attitudes in college-aged Latinas. This will provide insight for mental health professionals and educators to best support and guide Latinas through their mental health struggles. This quantitative research study was conducted through survey research.

This qualitative study explores how sophomore, junior, and senior college students learn or develop their coping mechanisms to manage stress during social transitions while in college. Existing research focuses on coping mechanisms themselves rather than how students acquire them. Through in-depth interviews, the study aims to identify coping mechanisms and understand how social transitions influence their development. A Qualtrics survey was used to select participants based on their elaborative responses and coping styles. The coping styles (problem-focused, emotion-focused, and avoidant) were scored using the Brief COPE Inventory 28-item questionnaire included in the survey. The analysis will explore themes of how social transitions influence the development of coping mechanisms and if there are differences in coping strategies based on coping style. The limitations of the study include a small sample size of four participants, self-reported data, and a majority of participants being McNair Scholars. However, the findings can inform future research and potentially lead to improved support services or early intervention for college students.

In the United States, suicide is the third leading cause of death for youth ages 15-24 and second for young adults ages 25-34 (CDC, 2021). Rates of suicide and suicidal behavior have been increasing among college-aged students in the last 20 years, with noted disparities among Black and Latinx college students (Curtin & Hedegarrd, 2019). These elevated rates are partially explained by oppressive experiences and social-cultural factors; including discrimination and microaggressions, which 60-80% of college students of color report experiencing. More recently, research focusing on Latinx students has found the acculturation gap with caregivers is significantly related to suicidal ideation (Manzo et al., 2021). Research suggests effective suicide prevention and treatment have to be culturally sensitive and take in historical contexts (Goldston et al., 2008). To address this gap I will examine how risk factors like discrimination and acculturative stress are associated with higher risk of suicide attempts among Black and Latinx college students, and how experiences of belonging may buffer this risk. In a study with 626 students of color were surveyed and findings showed sense of belonging acting as a buffer against the negative effects of discrimination (Maryam & Jones, 2021). I predict sense of belonging can reduce the risk of suicide and should be cultivated on college campuses across the country through proper funding and student leadership. This research will emphasize the need for cultural responsivity in mental health for college students, especially in suicide prevention.