The United States is witnessing a demographic shift, with projections indicating the Latinx population will become the majority-minority by 2043. Despite a notable 200% increase in enrollment of young Latinx adolescents (18-24) in college from 2005 to 2021, many, especially first-generation students, face unique challenges in higher education, resulting in lower academic completion rates. This study investigates the relationships between sense of belonging, imposter syndrome, and mental health among first-generation Latinx students at four-year universities. This study will use both quantitative and qualitative methods to examine the research questions. The Healthy Minds Study Network (2007-2023) survey, a large national dataset of college student life and mental health, will be used to examine the relationships between a sense of belonging and imposter syndrome with mental health among Latinx first-generation students. Subsequently, qualitative interviews will be conducted with first-generation Latinx students from a large public university to further examine individual experiences of belongingness and imposter syndrome, as they relate to mental health and academic outcomes. It is hypothesized that a strong sense of belonging will be positively associated with improved mental health outcomes and greater imposter syndrome will be associated with poorer mental health outcomes. Identifying predictive factors influencing a sense of belonging and imposter syndrome can inform targeted support strategies, cultivating inclusive environments in higher education for first-generation Latinx students.

Sex trafficking is a prevalent and persistent human rights, social justice, and economic issue. Fueled by a multi-million-dollar industry, this global epidemic is complex and compounded by poorly resourced government and private sector response systems. The United States foster care system, in particular, serves youth at-risk for sex trafficking and is well-positioned to provide trauma-informed services that support youth and act as a buffer for harm. However, given overall poor systems alignment and inadequate access to trauma-informed therapy and healthcare services, U.S. foster youth are particularly vulnerable to trafficking – and this disproportionately impacts lower-income and historically excluded youth. As a result, advocacy groups have urged government officials to use their power for positive reform and construction of systems and equitable foster care practices that account for race, ethnicity, and social class. This systematic literature review explores the evolution of sex trafficking in the United States between 2000 and 2023, examines systems response, and investigates a more effective approach to foster care and systematic reform in response to the prevalence of sex trafficking.

In fostering safe and welcoming communities, it is critical to fully understand the unique challenges and needs youth possess. In partnership with local non-profit TransPonder, this study is designed to identify the various opinions of LGBTQ+ youth in Lane County on local community programming. Researchers conduct focus groups of 14-24 year-old LGBTQ+ youth in Lane County, asking questions related to community services, barriers in accessing LGBTQ+ events, and identity-specific needs. Preliminary qualitative data analysis suggests differences in the experiences of neurodiverse LGBTQ+ members and their neurotypical counterparts, with a participant saying “I feel like with my autism, I view [gender] differently than neurotypical people. So, it can be harder to connect with trans* neurotypical people that way.” Expected results anticipate insights into barriers faced by LGBTQ+ neurodiverse youth and nuanced understandings of neuroqueer identities. Analysis will focus on themes such as identity expression in different spaces and intersections with race, class, and (dis)ability. The study aims to contribute to neuroqueer theory, challenging bioessentialist narratives and promoting an inclusive understanding of neurodiversity and queerness. In conclusion, this research seeks to amplify the voices and perspectives of neurodivergent LGBTQ+ youth, offering insights that could inform the future of TransPonder’s community programming.

Mentalizing—the ability to understand the underlying mental states of others—is crucial for adolescent development.For BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) adolescents, this cognitive process is significantly shaped by experiences of everyday discrimination. Such discrimination can influence their mental health and social interactions, impacting how they interpret social cues and understand the behaviors of others. This research investigates how everyday discrimination affects the propensity to engage in perspective-taking among BIPOC adolescents in the Pacific Northwest (PNW). Factors such as ethnic identity development and acculturationalso play a role in shaping mentalizing processes, making it essential to understand these dynamics for effective interventions. Using fMRI and the Everyday Discrimination Scale, we hypothesize that everyday discrimination will correlate with an increased tendency to engage in perspective-taking. By examining these influences, this research highlights the need for culturally sensitive approaches to support the mental health and social well-being of BIPOC teens. Findings will provide insights into the social cognition of BIPOCadolescents, emphasizing the importance of understanding their propensity for mentalizing. This knowledge is vital for creating targeted interventions that address the unique challenges faced by these adolescents, ensuring they receive appropriate resources to thrive in diverse social environments.