Protective factors for young, low-income, Mexican American women include which of the following?

Protective factors are elements that can help individuals withstand or recover from difficult circumstances, such as low socioeconomic status or cultural marginalization. In the context of young, low-income, Mexican American women, the correct protective factor is career aspirations.

Career aspirations are significant because they provide motivation and a sense of purpose. They can lead to goal-setting and the pursuit of education, training, or employment opportunities, which can enhance self-esteem and promote resilience against socio-economic hardship. Having aspirations encourages young women to envision a future where they can achieve financial stability and personal growth, which is particularly important in communities facing systemic challenges.

In contrast, an attitude of fatalism can be limiting, as it often leads individuals to feel that they have little control over their outcomes, potentially discouraging them from striving for improvement or change. Higher education attainment is indeed a protective factor, but it is a result rather than a cause of resilience; career aspirations often motivate individuals to achieve higher education. Social networking opportunities can also be beneficial for support and resource sharing, but they may not directly serve as a driving force for individual ambition and personal development like career aspirations do.