Description
Recent studies reveal that Latinx youth are more prone to mental health issues and are less inclined to seek professional help when compared to other ethnic-racial groups (Galvan & Gudiño, 2021; Varela & Hensley-Maloney, 2009). This thematic review covers themes that include self and public stigma, traditional cultural roles (i.e., marianismo, machismo, familismo), and cultural orientations (i.e., ethnic-racial socialization, acculturation/enculturation), all of which influence the mental health and mental-health-seeking behaviors of Latinx youth. Findings suggest that certain beliefs and attitudes prevalent in Latinx families, such as traditional gender roles, can prevent children and youths’ abilities to seek appropriate care for their mental health and to cope with related issues. Results further identified familismo as a cultural factor that contributes to more positive mental health outcomes and general well-being (Ayón et al., 2010).
Cultural Factors Influence Mental Health-Related Experiences and Behaviors of Latinx Youth
Recent studies reveal that Latinx youth are more prone to mental health issues and are less inclined to seek professional help when compared to other ethnic-racial groups (Galvan & Gudiño, 2021; Varela & Hensley-Maloney, 2009). This thematic review covers themes that include self and public stigma, traditional cultural roles (i.e., marianismo, machismo, familismo), and cultural orientations (i.e., ethnic-racial socialization, acculturation/enculturation), all of which influence the mental health and mental-health-seeking behaviors of Latinx youth. Findings suggest that certain beliefs and attitudes prevalent in Latinx families, such as traditional gender roles, can prevent children and youths’ abilities to seek appropriate care for their mental health and to cope with related issues. Results further identified familismo as a cultural factor that contributes to more positive mental health outcomes and general well-being (Ayón et al., 2010).
Comments
Faculty Mentor: Steven Berkley