ERIC Number: ED635978
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 72
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-3797-7121-8
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Latina Spiritualities as Protective Factors within Higher Education: A Critical Analysis of the Literature
Lara, Jordan E.
ProQuest LLC, Psy.D. Dissertation, Fuller Theological Seminary, School of Psychology
Within higher education institutions, Latinas are grossly underrepresented, inadequately supported, and often face discrimination within their academic environment. Overall, Latinx populations encounter racism, sexism, familial and cultural expectations, as well as societal pressures, that impact their educational journey and perceptions of self. Latinas, who make up a unique minority group within Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs), are actively working to break through the "glass ceiling," a term that describes the ability to see their potential success as educated women. In light of these challenges, Latinas may be able to lean on the spirituality of their indigenous roots as a source of strength, encouragement, and support as they navigate academia. Recent literature has highlighted concepts of religious coping that stem from indigenous spirituality, such as resilience and well-being in domains such as psychology, theology, and academia. Indigenous forms of spirituality, which include but are not limited to folk healing, connection to the lands, and community engagement align with themes of identity development, coping, and empowerment. Emerging theological concepts that affirm the Latina's spirituality exists in her everyday struggle of survival. This critical literature review aims to explain these forms of spirituality for the Latina and her people ("gente"), by highlighting tools that can support an individual throughout her journey in higher academia or the academy. Indigenous forms of spirituality have the capacity to assist Latinas in being grounded in their heritage, where they experience a connection to their ancestors and benefit from a felt connection with their predecessors. This connectedness offers the Latina the strength, encouragement, and resilience necessary for success. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Religious Factors, Indigenous Knowledge, Resilience (Psychology), Well Being, Higher Education, Hispanic Americans, Females
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A