ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the environmental stressors experienced by Latino/a youth, with commentary on differences across subgroups. In spite of the fact that many Latino/as earn college degrees and obtain prestigious professional positions, statistics related to Latino/school completions are the lowest of all groups. Across Latino/subpopulations, differences in school attainment exist. The 2000 Census showed that Latino/as without legal status were much more susceptible to unemployment or were employed in lower-paying service jobs. Latino males report a higher rate of sexual risk taking than non-Latino Whites, with a greater likelihood of engaging in sexual intercourse without a condom. Myriad studies have documented the discrimination experienced by Latino/as of all generations. Living in the US with an undocumented status impacts both the mental and emotional health of Latino/a youth. Researchers have identified the many stressors and barriers facing Latino/a youth in their environments, including school, community, and home settings.
