Meaning In Life And Psychological Wellness Among Latino Immigrants

Download Meaning In Life And Psychological Wellness Among Latino Immigrants full books in PDF, epub, and Kindle. Read online Meaning In Life And Psychological Wellness Among Latino Immigrants ebook anywhere anytime directly on your device. Fast Download speed and no annoying ads. We cannot guarantee that every ebooks is available!

Meaning in Life and Psychological Wellness Among Latino Immigrants

Author : Andrew Jonathan Shelton
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 144 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (13 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Meaning in Life and Psychological Wellness Among Latino Immigrants by : Andrew Jonathan Shelton

Download or read book Meaning in Life and Psychological Wellness Among Latino Immigrants written by Andrew Jonathan Shelton and published by . This book was released on 2018 with total page 144 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Guided by attachment theory and principles of positive psychology, a conceptual model was developed depicting the direct and indirect effects of attachment insecurity, state hope, belongingness, and meaning in life on wellness indicators (i.e., life satisfaction, physical health, and depression) of first generation Latino immigrants in the U.S. Specifically, the present study proposed that the effects of attachment insecurity on Latino immigrants' wellness would be mediated by two tiers of factors. The first tier consisted of state hope (i.e., general state hope, spiritual state hope, mastery state hope) and sense of belonging (i.e., general belongingness; connectedness with mainstream/ethnic community), which represented individual-level and relational factors, respectively, salient in Latino culture. Greater attachment insecurity was hypothesized to contribute to a compromised MIL and poorer wellness by decreasing state hope and sense of belongingness. A total of 352 first-generation Latino immigrants from Texas participated in this study. The exploratory factor analysis on the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale revealed a two-factor factor structure that is different from the two factors of adult attachment typically found with American samples (i.e., anxiety and avoidance). The emerged two factors represent anxious-distancing attachment and comfort-seeking attachment. Results from structural equation modeling analysis showed adequate model fit with the data. The final model indicated that the effects of comfort-seeking attachment on wellness were fully mediated by two layers of mediators (belongingness and state hope as the first layer and meaning in life as the second layer). In addition, the effect of anxious-distancing attachment on wellness was fully mediated by belongingness and meaning in life but not through state hope. Bootstrap methods were used to assess the significance magnitude of these indirect effects. Comfort-seeking attachment explained 13% of the variance in state hope and both attachment variables explained 36% of the variance in sense of belongingness. Anxious-distancing attachment, comfort-seeking attachment, state hope, and sense of belongingness explained 78% of the variance in meaning in life, and the overall model explained 75% of the variance in wellness. Limitations, future directions, and implications for counseling and theory are discussed from attachment theory, positive psychology, and immigration perspectives.

Meaning In Life and Psychological Well- Being

Author : Andrew J Shelton
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 0 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (691 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Meaning In Life and Psychological Well- Being by : Andrew J Shelton

Download or read book Meaning In Life and Psychological Well- Being written by Andrew J Shelton and published by . This book was released on 2024-01-20 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Latinos comprise the largest and one of the fastest growing minority groups in the United States (U.S. Census Bureau, 2012). Moreover, 48% of the 38.1 million foreign-born individuals in the U.S. reported being Hispanic origin (Grieco, 2010). Immigrants from Latin American countries face multiple stressors in the immigration process including legal documentation status (Covazos-Rehg, Zayas, & Spitznagel, 2007), separation from loved ones (Rusch & Reyes, 2012), discrimination (Flores et al., 2008), language barriers, and access to health care services (Perez & Fortuna, 2005). Often these stressors are compounded and contributing to poor health and wellness (Perez & Fortuna, 2005). Among various factors that affect Latino immigrants' adjustment and wellness, meaning in life (MIL) may be particularly important for this population since having purpose and significance in one's life allows individuals to endure stressful situations (Dunn & O'Brien, 2009).

Wellbeing, Recovery and Mental Health

Author : Mike Slade
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
ISBN 13 : 1316839567
Total Pages : 357 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (168 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Wellbeing, Recovery and Mental Health by : Mike Slade

Download or read book Wellbeing, Recovery and Mental Health written by Mike Slade and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2017-02-01 with total page 357 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book brings together two bodies of knowledge - wellbeing and recovery. Wellbeing and 'positive' approaches are increasingly influencing many areas of society. Recovery in mental illness has a growing empirical evidence base. For the first time, overlaps and cross-fertilisation opportunities between the two bodies of knowledge are identified. International experts present innovations taking place within the mental health system, which include wellbeing-informed new therapies, e-health approaches and peer-led recovery communities. State-of-the-art applications of wellbeing to the wider community are also described, across education, employment, parenting and city planning. This book will be of interest to anyone connected with the mental health system, especially people using and working in services, and clinical and administrators leaders, and those interested in using research from the mental health system in the wider community.

Creating Infrastructures for Latino Mental Health

Author : Lydia P. Buki
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 1441994521
Total Pages : 290 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (419 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Creating Infrastructures for Latino Mental Health by : Lydia P. Buki

Download or read book Creating Infrastructures for Latino Mental Health written by Lydia P. Buki and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2011-09-08 with total page 290 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Latinos are the fastest growing and largest minority group in the United States. In 2008, this group numbered over 47 million; by 2050, the population is expected to triple, reaching 133 million. Traditionally, Latinos have immigrated to large urban centers (e.g., New York, Los Angeles) that over long periods of time developed a complex infrastructure to receive new immigrants. Increasingly, new Spanish-speaking immigrants are moving into areas of the country previously unfamiliar to them. Although urban co-ethnic communities continue to be the destination of many newcomers, immigrants from Mexico, Central America, and South America in pursuit of low-skilled labor opportunities are settling in small towns and rural areas of the South and Midwest. This new demographic trend has resulted in the creation of the term "new growth communities," which refers to small rural areas that are now home to a small but rapidly growing Hispanic population. Unfortunately, these communities, which are now present in many states across the country (e.g., Illinois, North Carolina), lack the infrastructure necessary to meet the needs of Latino immigrants (e.g., access to health care, immigration assistance, and breaking down language barriers). The lack of an infrastructure and the lack of an established ethnic community to facilitate the assimilation of new immigrants present an ongoing challenge, especially in the area of Latino mental health. The volume focuses on dealing with systemic issues and on providing innovative ideas for development of infrastructure of services. This text will advance ways to understand and ameliorate mental health disparities both from research and experiential perspectives.

The Impact of Policy Change on Self-rated Mental Health Among Hispanic and Latino Immigrants

Author : Alejandra H. Reyna
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 106 pages
Book Rating : 4.7/5 (621 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis The Impact of Policy Change on Self-rated Mental Health Among Hispanic and Latino Immigrants by : Alejandra H. Reyna

Download or read book The Impact of Policy Change on Self-rated Mental Health Among Hispanic and Latino Immigrants written by Alejandra H. Reyna and published by . This book was released on 2021 with total page 106 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The immigrant paradox theorizes that foreign nativity protects against a host of stressors, such as discrimination and acculturative stress, and negative mental health outcomes in individuals living in a new host country (Burnham Hough, Karno, Escobar, & Telles, 1987). This theory has been used to explain why, despite risk factors, stressors, and challenges immigrants face when moving to a new country, they exhibit lower rates of depressive symptoms and other mental health problems and greater well-being than U.S. born Hispanics and Non-Hispanic Whites (NHW) (Alegria et al., 2007; Garcia-Coll & Marks, 2012; Markides & Coreil, 1986). Current research indicates that the protective nature of this paradox may be limited (Brabeck, Lykes & Hunter, 2014). Additionally, anti-immigrant policies may attenuate the protective effect of the paradox (Hatzenbuehhler et al., 2017). In the present study, we examined the role various factors, such as ethnic identity, acculturative and immigrant stress, discrimination, and citizenship status, play in predicting Hispanic immigrants’ psychological distress and well-being. Participants were recruited through Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (MTurk) and self-identified as Hispanic or Latino immigrants aged 18 and older (N = 56) who either reported being U.S. citizens (N = 38) or non-U.S. citizens (N = 17). We found that discrimination and ethnic affiliation emerged as important predictors in Hispanic immigrants’ well-being and distress. Furthermore, the relevance of immigration policy in predicting anxiety, distress, and lower well-being was supported by current findings. Contrary to our hypotheses we did not find that citizenship or acculturation played a significant role in predicting distress or well-being in this sample. These findings raise important and practical implications for those working with and better understanding of Hispanic immigrants. Further results, implications, limitations, and future directions are discussed.

Handbook of U.S. Latino Psychology

Author : Francisco A. Villarruel
Publisher : SAGE Publications
ISBN 13 : 1452223149
Total Pages : 481 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (522 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Handbook of U.S. Latino Psychology by : Francisco A. Villarruel

Download or read book Handbook of U.S. Latino Psychology written by Francisco A. Villarruel and published by SAGE Publications. This book was released on 2009-07-24 with total page 481 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Congratulations to Aida Hurtado and Karina Cervantez- winners of the 2009 Women of Color Psychologies Award! This award, given by the Association of Women in Psychology Association, is voted on by AWP members for contributions of new knowledge and importance to the advancement of the psychology of women of color. Offering broad coverage of all U.S. Latino groups, this volume synthesizes cutting-edge research and methodological advances and provides culturally sophisticated information that can be used by researchers, policy makers, and practitioners. The editors and contributing authors summarize theories and conceptual models that can further our understanding of the development and adaptation of U.S. Latino populations. In addition, they focus on the importance of cultural sensitivity and competence in research and intervention approaches and how to achieve it. Key Features • Highlights the normative development and strengths of U.S. Latino populations • Elaborates on the heterogeneity of Latinos in that it does not assume that all Latino populations, and the contexts of their development, are identical. • Emphasizes on cultural sensitivity and competence at all levels • Focuses on the importance of cultural identity amongst Latinos and its contribution to healthy developmental outcomes.

Cultural Foundations and Interventions in Latino/a Mental Health

Author : Hector Y. Adames
Publisher : Routledge
ISBN 13 : 1317529804
Total Pages : 277 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (175 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Cultural Foundations and Interventions in Latino/a Mental Health by : Hector Y. Adames

Download or read book Cultural Foundations and Interventions in Latino/a Mental Health written by Hector Y. Adames and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2016-07-07 with total page 277 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Advancing work to effectively study, understand, and serve the fastest growing U.S. ethnic minority population, this volume explicitly emphasizes the racial and ethnic diversity within this heterogeneous cultural group. The focus is on the complex historical roots of contemporary Latino/as, their diversity in skin-color and physiognomy, racial identity, ethnic identity, gender differences, immigration patterns, and acculturation. The work highlights how the complexities inherent in the diverse Latino/a experience, as specified throughout the topics covered in this volume, become critical elements of culturally responsive and racially conscious mental health treatment approaches. By addressing the complexities, within-group differences, and racially heterogeneity characteristic of U.S. Latino/as, this volume makes a significant contribution to the literature related to mental health treatments and interventions.

Mental Health Care for New Hispanic Immigrants

Author : Marcia Finlayson
Publisher : Routledge
ISBN 13 : 1135795118
Total Pages : 221 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (357 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Mental Health Care for New Hispanic Immigrants by : Marcia Finlayson

Download or read book Mental Health Care for New Hispanic Immigrants written by Marcia Finlayson and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2013-04-15 with total page 221 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Save time—inform your clinical planning with core knowledge and tips offered from experienced clinicians! While many Hispanic groups have lived in the mainland United States for years, there now is a growth of new groups, such as Dominicans in New York City and Cuban refugees that are in need of culturally competent mental health care. Mental Health Care for New Hispanic Immigrants: Innovative Approaches in Contemporary Clinical Practice will help mental health clinicians gain insight into essential clinical issues facing those who work with these new immigrants. This text, designed to aid in direct clinical practice, will guide you in the effective delivery of comprehensive psychosocial services. It arms you with the latest demographic information and offers valuable suggestions for treatment in different modalities for under-served Hispanic groups. Mental Health Care for New Hispanic Immigrants: Innovative Approaches in Contemporary Clinical Practice presents insights and practice approaches from respected authorities and explores latest trends on these new populations. You’ll find an in-depth examination of the mental health disparities in Hispanic immigrants, a conceptual overview of reasons for immigration and migration patterns, and a look at the unique stressors new groups face which impact immigrants’ mental health. Detailed data on each group, important highlights of pertinent historical aspects, and in-depth discussions of helpful assessment, treatment, and practice issues provide effective approaches illustrated through discussion and case studies. In Mental Health Care for New Hispanic Immigrants: Innovative Approaches in Contemporary Clinical Practice, you will find: detailed research and clinical information about new immigrant groups explorations of the growth of new groups, such as Dominicans in New York City and Cuban refugees recently reaching the shores of Florida information on psychosocial stressors, psychiatric diagnoses, and utilization of services among undocumented immigrants effective outreach techniques a detailed list of resources including extensive Web sites, national centers for the study of Hispanic groups, and important published works used for research and practice up-to-date demographics on new groups Mental Health Care for New Hispanic Immigrants: Innovative Approaches in Contemporary Clinical Practice brings vital information geared to the direct practice professional in psychology, social work, psychiatric nursing, and psychiatry, as well as graduate-level students in these fields.

Wellbeing, Recovery and Mental Health

Author : Mike Slade
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
ISBN 13 : 1107543053
Total Pages : 357 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (75 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Wellbeing, Recovery and Mental Health by : Mike Slade

Download or read book Wellbeing, Recovery and Mental Health written by Mike Slade and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2017-02 with total page 357 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book brings together current research on recovery and wellbeing, to inform mental health systems and wider community development.

Hispanic Psychology

Author : Amado M. Padilla
Publisher : SAGE Publications
ISBN 13 : 145225480X
Total Pages : 405 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (522 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Hispanic Psychology by : Amado M. Padilla

Download or read book Hispanic Psychology written by Amado M. Padilla and published by SAGE Publications. This book was released on 1994-11-14 with total page 405 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: How can psychology contribute to our understanding of Hispanics in the United States? Edited by Amado M. Padilla, Hispanic Psychology offers students, researchers, and practitioners the most contemporary and complete view of psychological writings available today. The topics tackled by a team of social scientists include adaptation to a new culture in the United States, the role of the family in acculturation, ethnic identification for Hispanics, health and mental health service and research needs of Hispanics, and changing gender roles in Hispanic culture. This volume examines such complex subjects as Chicano male gang members, homeless female AIDS victims, and educational resiliency of students with authority and perceptivity. This book brings together diverse psychological issues that will spark an interest in anyone wishing to have a current perspective on the fastest growing ethnic group in the United States. "Libraries serving graduate students in the areas of psychology, education, child development, or Latino studies should find this book helpful." --Choice "The growing presence and relevance of ethnic and cultural issues in many mental health disciplines has a cogent demonstration in this handsome volume. The strength of this volume is in its well-conceived and realized research studies. Indeed, the "new scholarship" of conceptual models, measurement instruments, and interpretive approaches, drawing heavily on the social context in which Hispanics live, gives this book a prominent place among its peers. This volume will become a landmark in the task of defining the realities and the fate of Hispanics in the United States of the twenty-first century." --Renato D. Alacrón in Transcultural Psychiatric Research Review

The Oxford Handbook of Prevention in Counseling Psychology

Author : Elizabeth Vera
Publisher : Oxford University Press
ISBN 13 : 0195396421
Total Pages : 562 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (953 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis The Oxford Handbook of Prevention in Counseling Psychology by : Elizabeth Vera

Download or read book The Oxford Handbook of Prevention in Counseling Psychology written by Elizabeth Vera and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2012-10-18 with total page 562 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Oxford Handbook of Prevention in Counseling Psychology presents a lifespan approach to prevention that emphasizes strengths of individuals and communities, integrates multicultural and social justice perspectives, and includes best practices in the prevention of a variety of psychological problems in particular populations.

Social Work Practice with Latinos

Author : Rich Furman
Publisher : Oxford University Press, USA
ISBN 13 : 9780190616496
Total Pages : 0 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (164 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Social Work Practice with Latinos by : Rich Furman

Download or read book Social Work Practice with Latinos written by Rich Furman and published by Oxford University Press, USA. This book was released on 2010-06-15 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Latinos are now the largest ethnic minority population in the United States and still they encounter a great deal of misunderstanding, prejudice, and discrimination. Utilizing a strengths-based perspective, Social Work Practice with Latinos addresses the unique needs of this diverse population. Written by practitioners and scholars from many disciplines, this book discusses social issues of consequence to Latinos and specific strengths and risk factors of the Latino community. They then offer methods that utilize these strengths to ensure a culturally-competent approach to practice with Latino populations. Each chapter is accompanied by key questions for personal and group reflection to facilitate discussion and understanding of these vital themes. The editors have nearly three decades of combined experience working with Latino populations inside and outside the United States. Drawing on this experience, they integrate these varied perspectives to prepare students and practitioners for practice with this richly diverse community.

Mental Health Care for New Hispanic Immigrants

Author : Manny J. González
Publisher : Routledge
ISBN 13 : 9780789023087
Total Pages : 216 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (23 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Mental Health Care for New Hispanic Immigrants by : Manny J. González

Download or read book Mental Health Care for New Hispanic Immigrants written by Manny J. González and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2005 with total page 216 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Save time--inform your clinical planning with core knowledge and tips offered from experienced clinicians! While many Hispanic groups have lived in the mainland United States for years, there now is a growth of new groups, such as Dominicans in New York City and Cuban refugees that are in need of culturally competent mental health care. Mental Health Care for New Hispanic Immigrants: Innovative Approaches in Contemporary Clinical Practice will help mental health clinicians gain insight into essential clinical issues facing those who work with these new immigrants. This text, designed to aid in direct clinical practice, will guide you in the effective delivery of comprehensive psychosocial services. It arms you with the latest demographic information and offers valuable suggestions for treatment in different modalities for under-served Hispanic groups. Mental Health Care for New Hispanic Immigrants: Innovative Approaches in Contemporary Clinical Practice presents insights and practice approaches from respected authorities and explores latest trends on these new populations. You'll find an in-depth examination of the mental health disparities in Hispanic immigrants, a conceptual overview of reasons for immigration and migration patterns, and a look at the unique stressors new groups face which impact immigrants' mental health. Detailed data on each group, important highlights of pertinent historical aspects, and in-depth discussions of helpful assessment, treatment, and practice issues provide effective approaches illustrated through discussion and case studies. In Mental Health Care for New Hispanic Immigrants: Innovative Approaches in Contemporary Clinical Practice, you will find: detailed research and clinical information about new immigrant groups explorations of the growth of new groups, such as Dominicans in New York City and Cuban refugees recently reaching the shores of Florida information on psychosocial stressors, psychiatric diagnoses, and utilization of services among undocumented immigrants effective outreach techniques a detailed list of resources including extensive Web sites, national centers for the study of Hispanic groups, and important published works used for research and practice up-to-date demographics on new groups Mental Health Care for New Hispanic Immigrants: Innovative Approaches in Contemporary Clinical Practice brings vital information geared to the direct practice professional in psychology, social work, psychiatric nursing, and psychiatry, as well as graduate-level students in these fields.

The Best Within Us

Author : Alan S. Waterman
Publisher : American Psychological Association (APA)
ISBN 13 : 9781433812613
Total Pages : 0 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (126 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis The Best Within Us by : Alan S. Waterman

Download or read book The Best Within Us written by Alan S. Waterman and published by American Psychological Association (APA). This book was released on 2013 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Best Within Us assembles a panel of distinguished scholars whose work has been central to understanding positive aspects of psychological functioning. Together, the chapters explore the many ways in which the philosophic concept of eudaimonia is being employed in psychology. Eudaimonia is defined in this volume as: Flourishing Realisation of potentials reflecting the true self Happiness that comes from the pursuit of virtue/excellence Although philosophy continues to pit hedonism and eudaimonism against one another, theoretical and empirical work in psychology leads to the conclusion that eudaimonic functioning is the most reliable basis for life satisfaction. The source of happiness plays the greatest role in the outcomes obtained. Chapters in this volume also reveal that eudaimonic functioning not only yields quality of life benefits to the individual, it also benefits others in the person's life and extended community. Individuals whose behaviours reflect eudaimonic functioning have demonstrably closer, more caring, and more intimate personal relationships, and engage more extensively in a wide range of prosocial activities. This book is for personality and social psychologists with a teaching and research interest in positive psychology, well-being, happiness, self-acceptance and self-esteem, identity, meaning in life, self-determination and autonomy, and motivation. Psychologists examining the intersections of psychology with philosophy will find much of interest here. This book is also for philosophers, sociologists, and political scientists, and graduate students seeking research ideas pertaining to quality of life.

Mental Health

Author :
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 28 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (91 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Mental Health by :

Download or read book Mental Health written by and published by . This book was released on 2001 with total page 28 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

The American Latino

Author : Salman Akhtar
Publisher : Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
ISBN 13 : 9781442248564
Total Pages : 222 pages
Book Rating : 4.2/5 (485 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis The American Latino by : Salman Akhtar

Download or read book The American Latino written by Salman Akhtar and published by Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. This book was released on 2015 with total page 222 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book focuses upon the culture of the Hispanic population in the United States and seeks to replace stereotypes with portrayals based upon factual information. The scope of the material covered includes the topics of ethnic identity, gender roles, religion and spirituality, family resilience, and the joys of leading a bicultural life.

Hispanics and the Future of America

Author : National Research Council
Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309164818
Total Pages : 502 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (91 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Hispanics and the Future of America by : National Research Council

Download or read book Hispanics and the Future of America written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2006-02-23 with total page 502 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Hispanics and the Future of America presents details of the complex story of a population that varies in many dimensions, including national origin, immigration status, and generation. The papers in this volume draw on a wide variety of data sources to describe the contours of this population, from the perspectives of history, demography, geography, education, family, employment, economic well-being, health, and political engagement. They provide a rich source of information for researchers, policy makers, and others who want to better understand the fast-growing and diverse population that we call "Hispanic." The current period is a critical one for getting a better understanding of how Hispanics are being shaped by the U.S. experience. This will, in turn, affect the United States and the contours of the Hispanic future remain uncertain. The uncertainties include such issues as whether Hispanics, especially immigrants, improve their educational attainment and fluency in English and thereby improve their economic position; whether growing numbers of foreign-born Hispanics become citizens and achieve empowerment at the ballot box and through elected office; whether impending health problems are successfully averted; and whether Hispanics' geographic dispersal accelerates their spatial and social integration. The papers in this volume provide invaluable information to explore these issues.