Imagine: A Promise Scholars and McNair Scholars Journal

Unfortunately, clinical psychology research has a long history of neglecting Latinx women, especially those with diagnoses related to neurodevelopmental disorders like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This major oversight has had serious consequences for the advancement of psychiatric treatments for the Latinx community. This study on young Chicanx women with diagnosed ADHD or symptomatic ADHD at the University of California, Santa Barbara, conducted qualitative interviews to investigate the clinical experiences for this population (or lack thereof), as well as explore how their cultural identity and collectivism within the Latinx community has affected their help-seeking behavior. Participants were surveyed on their parents’ perceived attitudes using the Day’s Mental Illness Stigma Scale and the Mexican American Cultural Values Scale for Adolescents and Adults. There were three primary predictions: participants diagnosed with ADHD would report more familial support, higher rates of enculturation (traditionalism) would be associated with higher rates of mental health stigma, and inattentive ADHD would be prominent in this population. The results indicated that participants who received an ADHD diagnosis did in fact report more familial support, along with less enculturation and lower stigma rates. Perceived enculturation rates were found to be significantly positively correlated to stigma rates within one category, and participants reported experiencing mostly inattentive symptoms. Overall, Chicanx women with ADHD should be carefully evaluated for official diagnosis of ADHD as they are a vulnerable population due to their unique cultural needs.

Octopuses are complex animals with whom humans have the privilege of interacting. They are unique organisms which are inspiringly intelligent. Escaping even the most well-secured tanks, solving puzzles, and using tools to find food are some of the specialties of octopuses. However, they are also delicate and sensitive creatures requiring the best care. Octopuses have idiosyncratic personalities, can identify their keepers, and bond with the people who care for them. They use mentally stimulating toys and puzzles. These exercise their mental capacity and keep them happy in their enclosure. When keeping an octopus, it's critical to follow proper aquarium guidelines for tank setup and maintenance. This includes feeding not only their bodies but their minds.

This article explores the intersection of gender, race, and historical violence affecting Indigenous and Latina women who immigrate to the United States from Central America and Mexico. It highlights how systemic erasure and settler-colonial frameworks marginalize these women through both bureaucratic classification and interpersonal violence. Drawing on historical context, from U.S. intervention in Latin American politics to contemporary border policies, the Barbosa illustrates how imperialism and domestic violence intersect to push women to migrate. The piece also centers female-led resistance movements, both in their countries of origin and in diaspora communities, revealing how these women maintain agency, preserve cultural identity, and challenge oppression. Personal insights from activist Sindy Valle reinforce the resilience and leadership of Indigenous women navigating displacement and invisibility in U.S. immigrant narratives.