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Latino Perspectives of Mental Health Recovery: A Grounded Theory Analysis

Walstad, Kristin Y

Abstract Details

2015, Master of Arts, University of Toledo, Psychology - Clinical.
The Latino population in U.S. is a rapidly growing demographic, including over 15 million individuals as of the 2010 Census (U.S. Census Bureau, 2010). Symptom distress and mental illness are prevalent among Latinos (Alegria et al., 2007; Alegria et al., 2008; OMH, 2012). However, there are significant differences in prevalence rates of psychiatric diagnoses (Alegria et al., 2007; Alegria et al., 2008) and rates of mental health help-seeking and service utilization (Alegria et al., 2002; OMH, 2012) between Latinos and other demographic groups. Current mental health recovery models emphasize that recovery from serious mental illness (SMI) is a personal journey (Henderson, 2010, SAMHSA, 2012). Consumer narratives have played an important role in identifying key themes of the recovery process (Corrigan et al., 1999; Ridgway, 2001; Young & Ensing, 1999). However, the recovery experiences of Latino consumers are notably absent. This study sought to deepen the recovery literature by developing a Latino-centered model of mental health recovery. One-on-one interviews were conducted with eight Latino consumers and four family members of Latino consumers regarding their experiences with recovery. Themes were assessed using grounded theory analysis. Primary themes emerging from the analysis include a split between the Latino values of family unity and caring for family members, and a systematic lack of knowledge of the nature of mental illness and recovery. Overall, the coping strategies described by Latinos in the sample were found to be consistent with those described in other recovery models. However, Latinos in recovery appear to be especially empowered when connected with quality mental health care and community organizational support. A majority of participants also demonstrated a strong desire to self-advocate and give back to the community. Stigma and lack of education on mental illness among Latinos were frequently cited as harmful for Latino consumers living with SMI. Encouragingly, the majority of consumers represented in our sample had not experienced prejudice from their mental health care providers as a function of their ethnicity.
Wesley Bullock (Committee Chair)
Jason Levine (Committee Member)
Gregory Meyer (Committee Member)
123 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Walstad, K. Y. (2015). Latino Perspectives of Mental Health Recovery: A Grounded Theory Analysis [Master's thesis, University of Toledo]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1429760231

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Walstad, Kristin. Latino Perspectives of Mental Health Recovery: A Grounded Theory Analysis. 2015. University of Toledo, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1429760231.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Walstad, Kristin. "Latino Perspectives of Mental Health Recovery: A Grounded Theory Analysis." Master's thesis, University of Toledo, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1429760231

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)