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Description

Latine communities in the U.S. experience disproportionate exposure to traumatic events, contributing to behavioral health disparities such as elevated rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and underutilization of mental health care. Gender, as a key social determinant of health, influences both types of trauma encountered and the severity of symptoms. Little research has tackled how gender intersects with structural inequities within Latine populations, such as discrimination, immigration stress, and socioeconomic marginalization. This mixed-methods study assessed gender differences in trauma experiences and PTSD symptoms among 328 Latine American adults (148 men, 180 women) recruited through an online survey. We predicted gender differences in trauma type and PTSD symptoms among participants, and explored whether gender and trauma type would interact and predict greater PTSD symptoms for Latine American men and women. PTSD symptoms were measured using the Short Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Rating Interview (SPRINT). Qualitative data from open-ended survey responses helped generate four trauma categories: (1) structural/systemic trauma and severe accidents, (2) interpersonal violence and abuse, (3) sexual assault and abuse, and (4) health- and loss-related trauma. Findings highlight the importance of culturally and gender-responsive trauma assessments in behavioral health care. The differences in gender patterns, including heightened sexual violence exposure among Latinas and health-related trauma among Latinos, underscore the importance of further tailoring screening and interventions to specific risk profiles. Action-oriented interventions and clinical efforts should properly address the unique cultural stigma of disclosure and develop validating solutions to guide in lifting the burdens of trauma in Latine American communities.

Publisher Location

Las Vegas (Nev.)

Publication Date

Fall 11-21-2025

Publisher

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Language

English

Keywords

Latine; Gender; Violence; PTSD; Trauma

Disciplines

Psychology | Social and Behavioral Sciences

File Format

PDF

File Size

702 KB

Permissions

Google Drive\Institutional Repository\OUR_OfficeOfUGResearch\Symposia\2025 Fall Symposium

Comments

Mentor: Gloria Wong-Padoongpatt

Rights

IN COPYRIGHT. For more information about this rights statement, please visit http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Gendered Patterns of Trauma & PTSD Symptoms Among Latine Americans: A Mixed-Methods Analysis


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