Coping With College Obstacles: The Complicated Role of Familia for First-Generation Mexican American College Students

This qualitative study examined how first-generation Mexican American college students sought support from their families to cope with challenges. Some students had very close relationships with their family members and allowed them to be an integral part of their coping processes. However, others separated family from the coping or built chosen “families” from college peers and mentors to help them cope. In most instances, students simultaneously engaged in multiple coping processes to meet their individual needs.