Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2009. / Title from first page of PDF file. Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 68-79).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Covenant Theological Seminary, 2001. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 93-95).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2005. / Title from first page of PDF file. Document formatted into pages; contains xiv, 361 p.; also includes graphics Includes bibliographical references (p. 315-345). Available online via OhioLINK's ETD Center

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of California, San Diego, 2005. / Title from first page of PDF file (viewed Mar. 6, 2006). Available via ProQuest Digital Dissertations. Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Treatise (Ed. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2007. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--Oregon State University, 2008. / Printout. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 72-76). Also available on the World Wide Web.

This dissertation is a mixed methods analysis investigating postpartum depression as it is experienced by self-reported depressed Mexican American adolescent and adult mothers. The qualitative portion of this study explores pregnancy and motherhood to better understand meanings attached to depression. Six adolescent and six adult mothers, were recruited from the Dallas/Fort-Worth area. Each was interviewed twice, using semi-structured interview guides. The quantitative phase utilizes a national sample of self-reported depressed Hispanic mothers to identify breastfeeding behavior and mothers' perceptions of the physical health of their babies. Specifically, a secondary analysis of the National Survey of Children's Health, 2003 was used to supplement the qualitative data. This study provides a theoretical framework of fragmented identity to explain socio-cultural factors contributing to postpartum depression among Mexican American adolescent and adult mothers. Common themes leading to a fragmented identify were indentified. Contributors to postpartum depression include: unplanned pregnancy, internal struggle between cultures, body image and family conflict. Stigma associated with teen motherhood also contributed to depression among adolescent mothers while the medicalization of childbirth was a contributing factor of depression among the adult mothers. Additionally, the duration of breastfeeding and mothers' perceptions of their babies' physical health were impacted by depression, but breastfeeding initiation was not.

The purpose of this three-paper dissertation is to examine the influence of different social processes on insomnia symptoms among Latinx adults. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used in an effort to adequately capture the complex ways in which these processes impact insomnia symptoms in this population. Given that insomnia is more prevalent among women than men and that previous studies suggest different gender patterns in the influence of social processes on mental health exist, each paper includes an exploratory aim that investigates potential gender differences in the associations it examines. Paper 1 uses thematic content analysis to explore how Latinx adults with chronic insomnia describe the social processes through which social ties impact their lived experience of insomnia. Paper 2 tests the independent and synergistic effects of family and friend social support and social strain on insomnia symptoms. Lastly, Paper 3 builds upon previous studies demonstrating a positive association between acculturation stress and insomnia symptoms among Latinx adults by examining two emotion-focused coping strategies (i.e., brooding and alcohol use) as potential mechanisms driving this association. Taken together, the findings from these three papers suggest there may be a need for mental health providers to evaluate and address social processes when diagnosing and treating insomnia among Latinx adults.

Student loan debt continues to be an issue in the U.S., with potential long-term effects on loan repayment and potential wealth accumulation. In particular, minorities face barriers in the educational system and accruing wealth. Hispanics occupy a middling position in the U.S. racial hierarchy. Using the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 geocode data, in this study I examined how Hispanic-White differences in student debt change over time and how student debt influences wealth. In addition, I accounted for immigration status via parents' nativity status to investigate debt burdens and subsequent wealth for these respondents. I used hierarchical linear growth models to examine debt growth over time and linear decomposition to examine Hispanic-White differences in wealth accumulation and the impact of student debt on these differences. While findings were largely statistically insignificant, I found that Hispanics tended to start with less debt than their White counterparts and that student debt initially grew for both groups. However, White respondents pay off their debt more quickly than Hispanics. In addition, I found that the wealth gap between White and Hispanic respondents grew significantly between the ages of 20 and 35. While Hispanics tended to start with less debt, my findings suggest that student debt still plays a role in Hispanics' financial well-being, including Hispanic wealth development and the perpetuation of the Hispanic-White wealth gap.

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