Trends in positive psychology suggest optimism is an important trait related to happiness and well-being and that through the teaching of optimism, well-being can be enhanced (Sin & Lyubomirsky, 2009). The purpose of this study was to identify areas of optimism within the context of the American Dream among Hispanic/Latino/as and to understand factors that create barriers to having an optimistic outlook on achieving the American Dream. Data for this study came from research designed to identify sources of acculturation related stress among Hispanic/Latino/as. A sample ( n = 93) of Hispanic/Latino/a adults were recruited for focus groups in California and Massachusetts. Results indicate that participants were optimistic in achieving their dreams, which included financial achievements, ownership, educational opportunities, and more. Some participants acknowledged that these expectations were unrealistic and were challenged by discrimination, limited skills, and lack of legal documentation status. Studies of psychological interventions that foster optimism among Hispanic/Latino/as are needed.

The problem of substance abuse impacts the Hispanic/Latino youth population. In some cases, subpopulations of the Hispanic/Latino population suffer higher rates of substance use than do other groups. While the science of prevention in the general population and the rigorous study of substances abuse prevention programs have flourished over the past few decades, there continues to be a limited body of knowledge regarding substance abuse prevention that is culturally specific or tailored to Hispanic/Latinos. One promising area is the study of risk and protective factors which finds that acculturation stress, among others, plays a key role in the development of substance use and other behavioral problems among youth. Stress experiences related to discrimination, immigration, parent-child cultural differences all play a role in disrupting normative development and subsequent risk-taking behavior. Culturally focused prevention models such as Familia Adelante show promise in helping reduce acculturation-based risk and increasing individual and family resilience. This chapter will address many of the aforementioned issues and will provide direction for future prevention research for Hispanic/Latinos.