Work

Latina/o/x undocumented college students’ perceived barriers and motivations for talking to a campus mental health professional: A focus on communication, culture, and structural barriers

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: Although undocumented students face numerous stressors that can lead to mental health strain, they often underutilize their campus mental health services. To identify the barriers and motivations for talking to a campus mental health professional (MHP) and to extend the Health Belief Model (HBM), we conducted semi-structured interviews with 24 Latina/o/x undocumented college students. Family communication revealed views that undermined talking to an MHP, but that were deeply rooted in culture and immigration; having to prioritize basic needs; and growing up in an environment where mental health services were unavailable. Our findings reveal important communication, cultural, and structural elements that should be emphasized in the HBM when explicating Latina/o/x undocumented students' beliefs and behaviors about talking to an MHP.

Source: Communication Monographs

DOI: 10.1080/03637751.2023.2175881

Authors: Jennifer A. Kam, Suellen Hopfer, Monica Cornejo, Roselia Mendez Murillo, Daniela Juarez

Institutions: University of California, Santa Barbara, University of California, Irvine, Cornell University, The University of Texas at Austin, University of Chicago

Language: English

Topic: Mental Health Treatment and Access

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

Funder: University of California, Santa Barbara