Date of Award
12-2025
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Program
Counselor Education
Department
Educational Leadership, Counseling, and Foundations
Major Professor
Wade, Michelle
Second Advisor
Watson, Zarus
Third Advisor
Belser, Christopher
Abstract
This study examines the relationships between demographics, risk factors, and protective factors with mental distress among Chitimacha Tribal adolescents aged 12 to 18. Using a Positive Youth Development framework, the research aimed to identify the prevalence of mental distress, trauma, discrimination, and protective factors, as well as their collective and individual impacts on mental health. Data were collected through online surveys completed by 73 participants residing on or near the Chitimacha Tribal Reservation. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to analyze the data. Results revealed that while trauma and discrimination collectively predicted mental distress, family and community support emerged as a significant protective factor, reducing mental distress levels. Gender differences were observed, with females reporting higher levels of mental distress compared to males. However, school and teacher support and participation in extracurricular activities were not significant individual predictors of mental distress. The study highlights the importance of fostering strong family and community connections to mitigate mental health challenges and emphasizes the need for culturally tailored interventions. Despite these findings, 72% of the variance in mental distress remains unexplained, suggesting the need for further research to explore additional factors such as socioeconomic status, cultural resilience, and peer relationships. This study provides valuable insights into the mental health needs of Chitimacha adolescents and contributes to the development of effective, culturally relevant prevention and intervention strategies to support the well-being of Native American youth.
Recommended Citation
Vilcan-Tanner, Daphnie, "A Quantitative Exploration of Risk and Protective Factors Affecting the Mental Health of Chitimacha Tribal Youth" (2025). University of New Orleans Theses and Dissertations. 3330.
https://scholarworks.uno.edu/td/3330
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Rights
The University of New Orleans and its agents retain the non-exclusive license to archive and make accessible this dissertation or thesis in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. The author retains all other ownership rights to the copyright of the thesis or dissertation.