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Measuring Hispanic Optimism and Personal Expectancy

Publication ,  Journal Article
Cervantes, RC; Gonzalez-Guarda, RM; McCabe, BE; Nagy, GA
Published in: Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences
November 1, 2022

The purpose of this study was to develop the Hispanic Optimism and Personal Expectancy (HOPE), a measure of optimism related to the concept of the American Dream. This measure assesses beliefs that are shared by Hispanic/Latinx immigrants and non-immigrants about opportunities for advancement in the United States. Based on focus groups consisting of both immigrant and non-immigrant Hispanic/Latinx participants (n = 93), twenty four (24) items for the measure were created from qualitative interviews. Separate exploratory (n = 174) and confirmatory (n = 181) factor analysis supported three factors: Hope for a better life, for freedom & security, and for economic opportunity. Results provided empirical support for the HOPE. A final set of sixteen (16) items are included in the HOPE measure. This measure can benefit researchers or counselors who work with Hispanic/Latinx immigrants to understand individual expectancies and barriers toward achieving their American Dream. We discuss implications for research and potential conceptions of U.S. meritocracy as a potential myth for minority and immigrant groups.

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Published In

Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences

DOI

EISSN

1552-6364

ISSN

0739-9863

Publication Date

November 1, 2022

Volume

44

Issue

4

Start / End Page

267 / 296

Related Subject Headings

  • General Psychology & Cognitive Sciences
  • 5205 Social and personality psychology
  • 5203 Clinical and health psychology
  • 5201 Applied and developmental psychology
  • 1702 Cognitive Sciences
  • 1701 Psychology
 

Citation

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ICMJE
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Cervantes, R. C., Gonzalez-Guarda, R. M., McCabe, B. E., & Nagy, G. A. (2022). Measuring Hispanic Optimism and Personal Expectancy. Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, 44(4), 267–296. https://doi.org/10.1177/07399863231197333
Cervantes, R. C., R. M. Gonzalez-Guarda, B. E. McCabe, and G. A. Nagy. “Measuring Hispanic Optimism and Personal Expectancy.” Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences 44, no. 4 (November 1, 2022): 267–96. https://doi.org/10.1177/07399863231197333.
Cervantes RC, Gonzalez-Guarda RM, McCabe BE, Nagy GA. Measuring Hispanic Optimism and Personal Expectancy. Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences. 2022 Nov 1;44(4):267–96.
Cervantes, R. C., et al. “Measuring Hispanic Optimism and Personal Expectancy.” Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, vol. 44, no. 4, Nov. 2022, pp. 267–96. Scopus, doi:10.1177/07399863231197333.
Cervantes RC, Gonzalez-Guarda RM, McCabe BE, Nagy GA. Measuring Hispanic Optimism and Personal Expectancy. Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences. 2022 Nov 1;44(4):267–296.
Journal cover image

Published In

Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences

DOI

EISSN

1552-6364

ISSN

0739-9863

Publication Date

November 1, 2022

Volume

44

Issue

4

Start / End Page

267 / 296

Related Subject Headings

  • General Psychology & Cognitive Sciences
  • 5205 Social and personality psychology
  • 5203 Clinical and health psychology
  • 5201 Applied and developmental psychology
  • 1702 Cognitive Sciences
  • 1701 Psychology