STAR*PR: Study on Trauma, Adversity, and Resilience in Puerto Rico

Violence in home, school, and community settings is widespread and harmful to mental health. Known as poly-victimization, multiple forms of violence are often experienced simultaneously — especially among racial/ethnic minoritized and socioeconomically disadvantaged college students.

STAR*PR will recruit 250 college students at a university in Puerto Rico to complete an online survey assessing victimization, discrimination, mental health, academic performance, and resilience factors.

Study Goals:

1Investigate rates of violence and discrimination exposure.
2Assess impacts on academic performance (GPA, engagement).
3Assess impacts on mental health and self-esteem.
4Identify protective factors and coping strategies.

Research Team

Principal Investigator

Dr. Andrea Medrano

University of Pittsburgh

Co-Principal Investigator

Dr. Irmarie Cruz-Lopez

University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez