Protective processes of latina adolescents

The purpose of this descriptive study was to explore the protective processes of Latina adolescents in the United States. Thirty Latina participants aged 15-19 self-administered an adolescent risk assessment event history calendar (EHC) as part of a clinical feasibility study. The 6- 10 year temporal- and context-linked EHC histories of girls who did not report sexual intercourse and substance use were compared with the EHC data of girls who did report these behaviors. Descriptive statistics and the constant comparative method of analysis revealed that both groups of girls had protective processes, but number, type, and patterns varied by group and over time. During school age years, the girls in both groups reported academic achievement and participation in activities/sports, but during adolescence, girls with risk behaviors were more likely to report school failure and dropout of school and activities, Throughout school age and adolescence, girls with no risk behaviors were more likely to report family presence and mentoring, and goals for college. Implications for protection-focused clinical work with Latina adolescents are included.