PRIDE

Since 2016, Puerto Rican inhabitants have experienced increases in gender-based violence rates (due to COVID-19), natural disasters (Hurricane Maria and Irma), and extreme poverty. These experiences can have compounding long-lasting effects on the mental health and identity development of those affected by these potentially traumatic experiences. 

The Puerto Rican Identity Development after Experiences of Trauma Interview Study (PRIDE) seeks to deepen our understanding of how histories of trauma—stemming from cultural, familial, social, or systemic factors—shape the way college students navigate their identities. In addition, PRIDE will explore the coping strategies and protective factors (e.g., interpersonal support, meaning-making, and religious practices) that Puerto Rican college students use in response to trauma. To achieve this, 45 college students from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, will be recruited to participate in individual, semi-structured interviews.