Date of Award

3-19-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Department of Psychology: Clinical-Counseling Psychology

First Advisor

Jordan Arellanes

Abstract

Despite Latinos continuing to have low rates of going to mental health services within the United States, there remains scarce research on possible interventions. This study aimed to utilize culturally sensitive activities using storytelling to help overcome the stigma related to help-seeking behaviors and mental health within the Latino community. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether utilizing such activities can impact Latinos’ help-seeking behaviors. This qualitative study describes the results of 19 participants in five focus groups within a University campus. Based on thematic analysis, this study’s results suggest that culturally sensitive activities may be a starting point to overcome stigma but remain insufficient for Latino college students. However, additional evidence suggests that culturally sensitive activities can foster feelings of comfort, belongingness, trust, and being understood for students in a group setting. Such feelings left students wishing for additional activities while expressing their opinion that while it may not be enough to get Latinos into mental health services, it might be the door needed to get the Latino community to begin to foster trust for practitioners. Overall, results can be used to further encourage organizers and practitioners to identify, develop, and integrate culturally sensitive activities and ideas into communities.

Comments

Imported from GomezHernandez_ilstu_0092N_12589.pdf

DOI

https://doi.org/10.30707/ETD2024.20240618063949270616.999964

Page Count

62

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