A Window Into the Lives of Rural Latinx Young Adults

A Qualitative Study of Adult Roles and Transitions

Bibliographic Data

ID7158698
AuthorsNicole Eisenberg (0000-0003-3786-2627, Social Development Research Group, School of Social Work, University of Washington Seattle Washington USA, corresponding author), Kayla Lovett (0009-0004-4890-6837, School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas USA), Martie L Skinner (0000-0001-5706-429X, Social Development Research Group, School of Social Work, University of Washington Seattle Washington USA), Sabrina Oesterle (0000-0002-2898-6145, Southwest Interdisciplinary Research Center, School of Social Work, Arizona State University Tempe Arizona USA), Leo S Morales (0000-0002-5724-3404, University of Washington School of Medicine Seattle Washington USA), Griselda Martinez (0000-0002-3455-4314, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Center for the Study of Health and Risk Behaviors, University of Washington Seattle Washington USA), John S Briney (0009-0002-8681-0890, Social Development Research Group, School of Social Work, University of Washington Seattle Washington USA), Katarina Guttmannova (0000-0002-7550-3329, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Center for the Study of Health and Risk Behaviors, University of Washington Seattle Washington USA)
Year2025
Volume53
Issue8
Pagese70057-e70057
Publication date2025-11-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Community Psychology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0090-4392 • E-ISSN: 1520-6629
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/jcop.70057
PMID41277465
OpenAlexW4416624592
LanguageEN
References cited61

We described the experiences of a sample of rural Latinx young adults to identify relevant adult roles and events from their unique perspectives at ages 21 and 26 focusing on heterogeneity by age, sex, and immigrant generational status. Using survey data collected in 2014 ( n = 308) and 2019 ( n = 285) from respondents who grew up in two rural US towns, we qualitatively examined responses to an open‐ended question; explored thematic patterns across age, sex, and immigration generation; and contextualized with quantitative data. Rural Latinx young adults identified milestones typical of young adults (e.g., work, school, relationships, family, living arrangements) and diverse pathways into adulthood. They expressed positive and challenging sentiments regarding transitions, but mostly optimism about their futures. We observed heterogeneity within and between ages, sexes, and generational statuses. Increasing work and educational opportunities for Latinx young adults in rural communities can help them navigate this transition more successfully

Immigration · Optimism · Qualitative property · Qualitative research · Rural area · Thematic analysis · Window of opportunity · Young adult · Identity, Memory, and Therapy · Rural development and sustainability · Youth Education and Societal Dynamics

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