Comparison of Hispanic College and Noncollege Emerging Adults

Description/Abstract/Artist Statement

Although a substantive body of research has focused on Hispanic college students, there has been little research regarding the differences between college-attending Hispanics and non-college attending Hispanics emerging adults (EA). Studies have indicated that noncollege emerging adults may be at greater risk compared to college-attending peers (Bailey et al., 2011). Given the differences in SES and daily routine (Schwartz, 2016), the exclusive focus on college-attending Hispanic EA is problematic. Addressing this gap, the current study examined differences between college and noncollege Hispanic EA on acculturative stress, ethnic and US identity, self-esteem, and alcohol use.

The sample consisted of 91 Hispanic EA (52.0% female; Mage= 21.20, range = 18-26; College-Attending = 75.5%). Results from a series of t-tests indicated noncollege Hispanics experience significantly greater Native Language Pressure [t(96) = 4.799, pt(96) = 8.455, pt(96) = 5.009, pt(97) = 6.018, pt(96) = 2.793, p = .006]. Self-Esteem [t(97) = -2.540, p = .013] and ethnic identity [t(97) = -2.556, p = .012] were higher among college-attending Hispanic EA. Given key demographic differences (Schwartz, 2016), it was not surprising to see noncollege Hispanic EA reporting higher English language pressure and pressure to acculturate. However, consistent with prior research (Bailey et al., 2011), noncollege Hispanic EA exhibiting lower self-esteem, greater alcohol use, higher Spanish language pressure and pressure against acculturation. In sum, these findings indicate noncollege may represent a particularly vulnerable population.

Presenting Author Name/s

Isis Cowan

Faculty Advisor/Mentor

Alan Meca

College Affiliation

College of Sciences

Presentation Type

Poster

Disciplines

Developmental Psychology

Session Title

Interdisciplinary Research #4

Location

Zoom Room V

Start Date

3-20-2021 12:00 PM

End Date

3-20-2021 12:55 PM

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Mar 20th, 12:00 PM Mar 20th, 12:55 PM

Comparison of Hispanic College and Noncollege Emerging Adults

Zoom Room V

Although a substantive body of research has focused on Hispanic college students, there has been little research regarding the differences between college-attending Hispanics and non-college attending Hispanics emerging adults (EA). Studies have indicated that noncollege emerging adults may be at greater risk compared to college-attending peers (Bailey et al., 2011). Given the differences in SES and daily routine (Schwartz, 2016), the exclusive focus on college-attending Hispanic EA is problematic. Addressing this gap, the current study examined differences between college and noncollege Hispanic EA on acculturative stress, ethnic and US identity, self-esteem, and alcohol use.

The sample consisted of 91 Hispanic EA (52.0% female; Mage= 21.20, range = 18-26; College-Attending = 75.5%). Results from a series of t-tests indicated noncollege Hispanics experience significantly greater Native Language Pressure [t(96) = 4.799, pt(96) = 8.455, pt(96) = 5.009, pt(97) = 6.018, pt(96) = 2.793, p = .006]. Self-Esteem [t(97) = -2.540, p = .013] and ethnic identity [t(97) = -2.556, p = .012] were higher among college-attending Hispanic EA. Given key demographic differences (Schwartz, 2016), it was not surprising to see noncollege Hispanic EA reporting higher English language pressure and pressure to acculturate. However, consistent with prior research (Bailey et al., 2011), noncollege Hispanic EA exhibiting lower self-esteem, greater alcohol use, higher Spanish language pressure and pressure against acculturation. In sum, these findings indicate noncollege may represent a particularly vulnerable population.