An Exploration of the Impact of Racism and Discrimination on the Mental Health of Latinx Youth

Ashley Cureton; Fernanda Lima Cross; Sarah Polk

doi:10.1016/j.acap.2023.12.011

An Exploration of the Impact of Racism and Discrimination on the Mental Health of Latinx Youth

Acad Pediatr. 2024 Sep-Oct;24(7S):S139-S146. doi: 10.1016/j.acap.2023.12.011.

Authors

Ashley Cureton¹, Fernanda Lima Cross², Sarah Polk³

Affiliations

¹ University of Michigan School of Social Work and School of Education (A Cureton), Ann Arbor, Mich. Electronic address: [email protected].
² University of Michigan School of Social Work (FL Cross), Ann Arbor, Mich.
³ Pediatrics Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (S Polk), Baltimore, Md.

PMID: 39428145
DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2023.12.011

Abstract

Latinx youth are at high risk of health and health care disparities. They are particularly vulnerable to mental health challenges due to the interplay of racism, health, and health care, which can be overwhelming for Latinx youth and their families to navigate. In this article, we provide an overview of the socio-demographics of Latinx youth living in the United States. Next, drawing on Borrell's framework for the effect of self-racial categorization, we review health disparities commonly experienced by Latinx youth with a more detailed description of mental health. We also explore the impact of racism and colorism on Latinx youth mental health and health care. Finally, we propose multiple strategies across levels to reduce the aforementioned disparities.

Keywords: Latinx; discrimination; immigrant youth; mental health; racism.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Child
Female
Health Status Disparities
Healthcare Disparities* / ethnology
Hispanic or Latino* / psychology
Humans
Male
Mental Health* / ethnology
Racism* / psychology
United States