Date of Thesis

Spring 2025

Description

Objective: Language brokering, the practice of translating or interpreting, has been identified as a prevalent event among Latinx youth in the United States. This study aimed to investigate the psychological and interpersonal processes that affect the experiences of Latinx young people who serve as language brokers. Methods: Utilizing a simultaneous mixed-methods approach, this study investigated the influence of parent-child relationships, familism as a cultural value, burden attitudes, psychological well-being, and personality traits on language brokering experiences. Quantitative data was collected through a Qualtrics survey, which was analyzed using SPSS. Qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews, which were analyzed using NVivo. Results: Findings revealed that the quality of the relationships between broker and parent influenced attitudes of burden toward adopting and maintaining the broker role. Additionally, pre-existing psychological distress was associated with more negative attitudes toward language brokering. Personality traits did not contribute significantly to language brokering attitudes, besides a positive correlation between negative emotionality (neuroticism) and psychological distress. Conclusions: The results indicate that language brokering is a multidimensional experience, with both positive and negative effects, shaped by family relationships, cultural values, and the individual’s personality.

Keywords

Language brokering, Latinx youth, bilingualism, psychological well-being, familism, Big Five personality traits

Access Type

Honors Thesis

Degree Type

Bachelor of Arts

Major

Psychology

First Advisor

Jasmine Mena

Second Advisor

Aisha Cort

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Psychology Commons

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