Date of Award

Spring 5-15-2022

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Counseling and Human Services

Advisor(s)

Luke, Melissa

Keywords

Acculturative Stress, Latinx, Mental Health literacy, Mental Health Service Use, Racial Discrimination, Skin Color

Subject Categories

Education | International and Area Studies | Latin American Studies | Medicine and Health Sciences | Public Health | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Abstract

This study utilized logistic and hierarchical regression to examine the impact of skin color, acculturative stress, mental health literacy, and experiences of racial discrimination on the lifetime use of mental health services through an intersectional lens. More specifically, the current study examined the Latinx ethnic identity, US-born status, across the skin color spectrum to better understand mental health service use disparities. Participants' (n = 173) mental health service use was measured at two levels, first, the overall number of hours of sessions attended and second overall hours of sessions of specific types of mental health services attended. Results indicated skin color was the only predictor associated with lifetime mental health service use among a sample of US-born Latinx individuals while acculturative stress, mental health literacy, and experiences of racial discrimination were associated with the use of specific types of mental health services. The findings suggest that for US-born Latinxs service use patterns differ based on skin color. Implications are discussed for US-born Latinx adults, mental health counselors, counselor educators, researchers, and policymakers. Recommendations for future research are provided.

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Open Access

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