Ethnic identity, perceptions of racial microaggressions, and perceptions of university environment as predictors of coping among Latina/o graduate students

Abstract

Scope and Method of Study: Exploratory Survey Research

Findings and Conclusions: In this study Forbearance and Support Seeking were each regressed on Racial Microaggressions (professor), Racial Microaggressions (peer), Ethnic Identity, and University Environment. The researcher's findings concluded that 10% of the total variance in Support Seeking was accounted for by the predictor variables and 8% of the total variance was accounted for by the predictor variables. Racial Microaggressions (Peer) (.21, p<.01) and University Environment (-.18, p<.01) emerged as significant predictors of Forbearance; showing a positive relation between Racial Microaggressions (peers) and Forbearance and a negative relation between University Environment and Forbearance. There was also a positive correlation between perceived racial microaggressions amongst peers and professors. This study demonstrated how the experiences of Latinos in higher education need to be further explored, especially within the construct of racial microaggressions. Students are experiencing racial microaggressions but may not be seeking the support they need and ethnic identity may be overlooked as a strength and protective factor on the graduate school journey.