NAVIGATING RACIAL AND CULTURAL IDENTITIES: MENTAL HEALTH AMONG AFROLATINX COMMUNITIES IN THE U.S.

Abstract

This study addresses the critical gap in literature regarding the racial identity experiences and mental wellness of Afro-Latinx individuals in the United States. While intra-cultural recognition can offer some relief from adverse experiences, it doesn't fully counteract the societal dismissal of one's racial identity and its impact on self-perception and overall mental health. The Latinx community is diverse, often identifying based on nationality rather than race in Latin American countries, while the U.S. employs labels that categorize Latinx individuals as "Latinos," "brown people," or "Hispanics." To exacerbate this, Latinos are subjected to additional labels, including Afro-Latinx. This term applies to individuals with African ancestry or a mix of African and mestizo heritages.