How Queer Latine college students at the University of Illinois conceptualize mental health

As the number of Queer and Latine students in college is increasing, so is the rate of their mental health issues and the rate at which they consult support services. Hence, it is crucial to understand the views of Queer Latine students on mental health and well-being, as there is a gap in the literature. For this study, a qualitative research approach was adopted, and the method used was LatCrit (Latina & Latino Critical Theory) testimonios to collect data from 10 Queer Latine students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. This research aims to reveal how these students narrate their understanding of mental health and how their cultural values, intersecting identities, and systems of power, among other factors, affect their conceptualization of mental health. The outcome of the study will be helpful in gaining an understanding of how this population views mental health, what influences their views, and how to respond with culturally-affirming care and services that serve this population’s needs. Ultimately, by better meeting these needs, higher education can promote the academic engagement, retention, and achievement of Queer Latines. Furthermore, this study aims to add to the existing mental health frameworks to make them more inclusive. By integrating the lived experiences of Queer Latine students, this research seeks to challenge traditional models and offer a more culturally responsive approach that acknowledges the unique intersections of identity, belonging, and well-being.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ed.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Educ Policy, Orgzn & Leadrshp

Grantor

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2025

Author dc:creator

• Gomez, Alejandro

Contributors dc:contributor

• Hood, Denice W
• Neville, Helen
• Velazquez, Mirelsie
• Ruedas-Gracia, Nidia

• Queer
• Latine
• Mental Health
• Testimonios
• College Student
• Mental Health Conceptualization
• Chicana Feminist Epistemology
• LatCrit
• Latina/o Critical Race Theory

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright © 2025 by Alejandro Gomez All rights reserved.

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/129186

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F129186