Nunca Solos: the multigenerational influence of dichos and moralejas on Latine adults

Dichos (sayings) and moralejas (stories with moral lessons) are important cultural traditions within Latine families that transmit values, knowledge, and life lessons across generations. While previous research has examined their use in educational settings and parenting programs, less is known about their long-term influence on the experiences of Latine adults. Guided by the Intergenerational Transmission of Cultural Socialization framework, this study explored (1) what dichos and moralejas Latine adults learned from their caregivers and (2) how dichos and moralejas support their current experiences as adults. Twenty Latine adults participated in semi-structured interviews conducted in English or Spanish. An inductive thematic analysis identified 72 dichos and moralejas participants learned from caregivers organized into seven categories: (a) work, effort, and perseverance; (b) character, conduct, and life lessons; (c) family, relationships, and identity; (d) caution, safety, and social behavior; (e) gratitude, humility, and generosity; (f) home and community interactions; and (g) time, opportunity, and fate. Participants described these teachings as shaping their work ethic, resilience, moral decision-making, social relationships, and family identity, while also providing examples of continued intergenerational transmission. Participants reported that the developmental impact of the dichos and moralejas increased when their meanings became clearer with the accumulation of life experiences. Findings highlight the role of dichos and moralejas as enduring cultural resources that support resilience, identity, and intergenerational continuity among Latine communities.