Hopefulness among non-U.S.-born Latino youth and young adults.

PROBLEM

U.S. Latino youths experience disproportionately high rates of health and social problems. There is a need to identify protective factors for reducing risky behaviors. Little is known about the protective nature of hope among immigrant Latino adolescents.

METHODS

This descriptive cross-sectional study examined hope and expectations for the future in non-U.S.-born Latino adolescents and young adults (n= 98) in urban and rural areas in the midwestern United States.

FINDINGS

Participants reported feeling hopeful about their future; however, differences were detected among subgroups.

CONCLUSION

Findings affirm the potential of hope as a protective factor for immigrant Latino adolescents and young adults. Nurses should be aware of hopefulness when implementing mental health preventive interventions. Research is needed to identify effective mechanisms for promoting and sustaining hope.