Understanding the Therapeutic Experiences of Latino Men: An Interpretative Phenomenological Inquiry
Year: 2023
Type: dissertation
Abstract: With the Hispanic and Latino population in the United States rapidly increasing, it is imperative to ensure that this group receives culturally informed mental health care. The latest U.S. Census conducted in 2021 showed Hispanics and Latinos account for 19% of the total population, making them the largest ethnic or racial minority group. Numerous studies have shown that men are reluctant to seek out mental health services. Specifically, among Latino men, the likelihood of seeking out mental health services is only half as high as that of whites and this disparity seems to be influenced by various factors. Low utilization rates of therapy in the Latino community can be attributed to these various interconnected factors, including race and ethnicity, gender, socio-economic barriers, cultural values, and stigma surrounding mental health problems. I utilized an interpretative phenomenological analysis to gain deeper insight into the experiences of Hispanic and Latino men who have sought mental health services despite cultural and social norms that discourage help seeking for this population. Using qualitative semi-structured interviews, this study interviewed 13 Hispanic or Latino Men to explore their attitudes and beliefs about therapy and mental health, their encounters with mental health providers and the ways that they benefitted from help-seeking. Four categories, 10 major themes, and 14 sub-themes were identified from the data and the report includes implications for family therapists and other mental health professionals.
Author: Trevino, Zachary R.
Institution: Texas Tech University
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7072152990