The Buffering Effect of Intrinsic Value Orientation on the Relationship between Everyday Discrimination and Mental Health Symptoms among Hispanic/Latinx Undergraduates

Discrimination, as a psychosocial stressor functions as one pathway in reduced mental health among Hispanic/Latinx undergraduates. Intrinsic value orientation is associated with adaptive functioning and may protect from mental health symptoms. From a strengths-based perspective, this study examined intrinsic value orientation as a buffer against adverse effects of discrimination on mental health among Hispanic/Latinx undergraduates enrolled in a Hispanic Serving Institution. Intrinsic value orientation buffered only against depressive symptoms. Hispanic/Latinx mental health implications are discussed.