Violence is considered a global health crisis that particularly affects poor Latin American populations (Human Rights Watch, 2023), yet there is scarce research conducted in the global south in Mexico. Given the pivotal changes in the physiological and psychological development of adolescence, it is crucial to understand the effects of violence exposure, as well as factors that may protect adolescents from adverse outcomes to develop culturally informed and sensitive interventions for Latino/as inside and outside the U.S. context. This study is investigating the links between multiple forms of violence in neighborhoods (e.g., community violence, sexual harassment) and Mexican adolescents’ (N = 349) psychological (e.g., anxiety, depression, PTSD) and immune (e.g., markers of inflammation) health. Drawing from a resilience and strengths-based perspective, potentially protective factors, such as close parent-adolescent relationship, familismo, and school belonging, are also being examined. Students (aged 11–18) from 2 public schools in Uruapan, Michoacan Mexico have been recruited to participate in surveys followed by a serum blood draw (N= 250) to assess levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This is the first comprehensive survey-based and biomarker collection study with Mexican adolescents to examine protective factors in the links between neighborhood violence and psychological and immune health. Reports are forthcoming.

Explore our newsletters to gain early insights from this important study conducted in Mexico. Carefully designed to foster community engagement and give back, these newsletters highlight key findings while providing valuable context and implications. By shedding light on significant trends and discoveries, they aim to empower individuals, families, and schools with practical knowledge and recommendations. Join us in recognizing the power of community-driven research and celebrating its meaningful contributions to creating a more informed and connected society.

This study is being funded by the University of Pittsburgh Momentum Priming Grant.