Date of Award

Spring 1-1-2013

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Clinical Psychology

First Advisor

Torres, Lucas

Second Advisor

Oswald, Debra

Third Advisor

Wierzbicki, Michael

Abstract

The present study examined the influence of cultural variables in predicting depressive symptoms and attitudes towards seeking psychological help among Latino adults living in the U.S. Cultural values investigated include: acculturation, values of familismo (i.e., family support, family obligations, and family as referent), and mainstream cultural values (i.e., independence/self-reliance and competition/personal achievement). The current study examined data from 191 Latino participants in the Midwest. Results showed that the most significant risk factors predicting depressive symptomatology were low education level and lower income, while the most influential factors predicting positive attitudes toward seeking mental health services were older age and gender. The greatest predictors of negative attitudes towards help-seeking were independence/self-reliance and the value of family as referent. These factors relate to Latino cultural values and offer insight for research and clinical practice with Latinos.

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