Associations Between Minority Status, Culture, and Mental Health Help-Seeking
Abstract
Many cultural attitudes foster a stigma towards mental health. Mental health stigma within minority cultures often leads to limited mental health-related conversations within households, due to the “taboo” nature of the topic. Lack of familial openness can influence an individual’s attitudes and behaviors toward mental health care. This study aims to investigate whether differences exist between minority and White students and mental health help-seeking behaviors and perceived cultural openness to mental health.
A cross-sectional study was conducted as part of a mental health literacy project at a private university in South Florida. We examine the relationship of cultural and familial openness to discussions about mental health and help-seeking attributes among minority participants and will compare the results to those of White participants. Perceived openness variables include family “Were your family members open to talking about mental health-related issues with you?”) and culture (“Do you feel your cultural traditions encourage discussions about mental-health related issues?”). Help-seeking attributes included attitudes (“I would use mental health services available on campus;” “Confident attending face-to-face appointments to seek information;” “If I had a mental illness I would not tell anyone”) and behaviors (“Previously/currently sought help from a mental health professional”). Odds ratios will examine associates between perceived openness and help-seeking attitudes and behaviors. T-tests will be used to compare differences between groups.
We anticipate that participants of minority status will have less familial and cultural openness toward mental health compared to their white peers and, in turn, have less mental health help-seeking attitudes and behaviors. Results from this study can be used to better inform public health approaches to mental health help-seeking among minority groups. There is an opportunity in public health to help families foster more open communication regarding mental health-related struggles in the household, in order to promote greater confidence in seeking mental health help.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Christi M. Navarro, Dr. Maria F. Montoya
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-5-2023 12:00 PM
End Date
4-6-2023 4:00 PM
Associations Between Minority Status, Culture, and Mental Health Help-Seeking
Alvin Sherman Library
Many cultural attitudes foster a stigma towards mental health. Mental health stigma within minority cultures often leads to limited mental health-related conversations within households, due to the “taboo” nature of the topic. Lack of familial openness can influence an individual’s attitudes and behaviors toward mental health care. This study aims to investigate whether differences exist between minority and White students and mental health help-seeking behaviors and perceived cultural openness to mental health.
A cross-sectional study was conducted as part of a mental health literacy project at a private university in South Florida. We examine the relationship of cultural and familial openness to discussions about mental health and help-seeking attributes among minority participants and will compare the results to those of White participants. Perceived openness variables include family “Were your family members open to talking about mental health-related issues with you?”) and culture (“Do you feel your cultural traditions encourage discussions about mental-health related issues?”). Help-seeking attributes included attitudes (“I would use mental health services available on campus;” “Confident attending face-to-face appointments to seek information;” “If I had a mental illness I would not tell anyone”) and behaviors (“Previously/currently sought help from a mental health professional”). Odds ratios will examine associates between perceived openness and help-seeking attitudes and behaviors. T-tests will be used to compare differences between groups.
We anticipate that participants of minority status will have less familial and cultural openness toward mental health compared to their white peers and, in turn, have less mental health help-seeking attitudes and behaviors. Results from this study can be used to better inform public health approaches to mental health help-seeking among minority groups. There is an opportunity in public health to help families foster more open communication regarding mental health-related struggles in the household, in order to promote greater confidence in seeking mental health help.
