Latino adolescent mental health: impact of socioeconomic status, gender, and school involvement

Thesis (M.S.W.) California State University, Los Angeles, 2013Committee members: Valentina Villa, Anh-Luu Huynh-Hohnbaum, Dale WeaverAdolescent, Gender, Latinos, Mental Health, School Involvement, Social Economic StatusAdolescence is the period of human growth that marks the physical, emotional and mental maturing processes that lead to adulthood. Adolescent depression; feelings of worthlessness, nervousness and hopelessness, have come to light as factors that impact the well being of Latino adolescents (National Mental Health Association, 2009). This study utilized the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS 2007), a secondary data base, to examine key factors impacting the mental health status of Latino adolescents. Specifically, this study reviewed the data on the significance of socioeconomic status (SES), gender, and school involvement as it impacts the mental health of the Latino youths. Both frequency and regression analyses were performed. The finding indicated a significant relationship between poverty, gender, and involvement with organized sports and the mental well being of Latino adolescents