Abstract
Researchers have examined Latina/o high school and undergraduate students and identified specific barriers within the university environment, as well as protective factors. However, little is known about the experiences of Latina/o graduate students. The present study examined the protective effects of ethnic identity against perceived barriers within the university environment among Latina/o graduate students using Bronfrenbrenner's Ecological Theory and a Psychosocial Cultural Perspective (Gloria & Rodriguez, 2000). Participants included Latina/o graduate students (N = 163) who completed an internet-based study. Results indicated that ethnic identity did not moderate the relationship between perceived barriers in the university environment and psychological well-being and academic performance of Latina/o graduate students. Secondly, Latina/o graduate students with high levels of ethnic identity achievement did not report fewer symptoms of depression when experiencing perceived barriers within their university environment. Similarly, Latina/o graduate students with high levels of ethnic identity achievement did not report greater self-esteem than students with low ethnic identity achievement when experiencing perceived barriers within their university environment. Lastly, Latina/o graduate students with high levels of ethnic identity did not have a higher GPA than students with lower levels of ethnic identity while experiencing high levels of perceived barriers in the university environment. These findings highlight the continued need to examine the specific barriers encountered by Latina/o graduate students, as well as factors that buffer against the detrimental effects of various stressors that are encountered by Latina/o graduate students. Therefore, clinical implications and recommendations for future research are discussed.