To Help or Hinder: The Role of Nonparental Adults in the Sociopolitical Development of Immigrant-Origin Latinx Emerging Adults

Abstract

Mentoring relationships are critical to adolescent development and can foster social change. While evidence highlights the positive impact of mentors, there is limited understanding of how this process unfolds for Latinx immigrant-origin emerging adults, and the potential for other adults to hinder their sociopolitical development. Through Constructivist Grounded Theory, we explored: How do nonparental adults (1) positively shape and (2) hinder the sociopolitical development of immigrant-origin Latinx emerging adults? Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants (N = 23; Mage = 20) from U.S. regions with large but varying Latinx populations in collaboration with university and community partners. The results are in line with our assertion that participants’ sociopolitical development was positively shaped by adults who gave emotional support, provided opportunities for critical social analysis, modeled sociopolitical engagement, arranged opportunities for action, and equipped young people through instrumental support. The findings also support our assertion on how nonparental adults hindered sociopolitical development through discouraging dialogue, restricting action, and manipulation. Findings have implications for future youth development interventions. We provide recommendations for future research and practice.