The Role of Intrapersonal and Ecodevelopmental Factors in the Lives of Latino Alternative High School Youth.

ABSTRACT

Despite efforts aimed at achieving health equity, Latino youth continue to experience significant health and mental health disparities. The purpose of this investigation was to explore the role of intrapersonal and ecodevelopmental factors, including family, peer, school, and community, in the lives of Latino alternative high school youth residing in the Southwest, United States. Five focus groups were implemented with a total of 19 participants. Study findings are indicative of an ecology characterized by multiple challenges that have a significant impact on the lives of Latino alternative high school youth. Findings from this study reinforce that there remains a great need to fully understand the scope and influence of intrapersonal and ecodevelopmental factors among Latino alternative high school youth to inform the development of culturally-responsive social work preventive intervention programs.