UROP Project

Comparing Life Satisfaction of Second-Generation Mexican Young Adults in University Versus the Workforce

Life Satisfaction; Mexican; Young Adults

Research Mentor: Mikayla Heath,
Department, College, Affiliation: Human Development and Family Sciences, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: mah19b@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable

Project Description

I will build on my previous research that explored how Mexican immigrant families navigate emotional, cultural, and educational dynamics related to intergenerational expectations and identity. Using dyadic interviews, the study offered a relational analysis of how themes such as cultural identity, emotional interdependence, parenting practices, and career decision-making are experienced and interpreted across generations. One of the central aims of this study was to better understand the pressures and motivations experienced by Latino emerging adults as they make decisions about their future. Participants frequently described navigating implicit parental expectations, particularly around education and career success, while also expressing deep emotional loyalty and gratitude. In several cases, children referenced the sacrifices their parents made to immigrate, framing their own success to honor those efforts. Parents, meanwhile, expressed hopes for their children’s happiness and success, often using themselves as moral or motivational examples. However, a disconnect sometimes emerged between the messages children heard and the intentions parents expressed, reflecting broader themes of ambivalence within immigrant parent-child relationships
Given these limitations, there is a clear need for studies that directly compare life satisfaction across different post–high school pathways among second-generation Mexican adults. Understanding these differences can help clarify whether university environments or early workforce entry provide advantages or challenges for this population’s well-being. The primary objective of this researh h is to understand and clarify whether university environments or early workforce entry provide advantages or challenges for the well-being of second-generation Mexican adults. The secondary objective is to understand the differences in career and personal motivations that led to the two-different life paths identified above for this population.

Research Tasks: -Literature review
-Participant Recruitment
-Data Analysis


Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required:
-Pays attention to detail
-Willing to learn
-Dedicated to improving their skills
-Strong writing skills
-Ability to manage time effectively