The Role of Discrimination on Latinxs’ Use of Mental Health Services: A LatCrit and Life-Course Perspective (Book chapter in "Understanding the Context of Cognitive Aging, Mexico and the United States")

Summary: Numerous studies have analyzed what factors may contribute to Latinxs’ low use of mental health services, such as age, migration pattern, language ability, exposure to political violence, traumatic experience, country of origin, and more. However, with the exception of Fortuna, et al. (2008), few studies on Latinx use of services have tried to provide a theoretical framework to give the historical, social, political, or life-course context as to why services use is higher for some Latinxs and lower for others.

In this chapter of the book "Understanding the Context of Cognitive Aging, Mexico and the United States" published by Springer Nature Switzerland, the authors contribute to developing an integrated theoretical framework that draws upon the life course theory (Elder, Johnson, & Crosnoe, 2003), public health critical race (PHCR) praxis (Ford & Airhihenbuwa, 2010a) and Latinx critical theory (Bernal & Delgado Bernal, 2013) to increase understanding about the role of racism in the U.S. and the relationship between discrimination and mental health-related service use seen across Latinx age groups. 

Findings: Authors found discrimination to be a barrier to mental health-related services for the oldest age group (age 65 and over,) but it was also found to be catalyst for service use among middle age Latinx adults, with a greater effect on adults ages 45–64 than adults ages 25–44. These relationships existed above and beyond the effect of having a diagnosable disorder. The authors note the dual role of discrimination warrants the need to take a closer look at how the racialization of Latinx in the U.S. influences thoughts and behaviors for seeking care. The integrated LatCrit, HealthCrit, and life-course theoretical model elucidates the ways in which the historical and current processes of racializing Latinxs may be contributing to these patterns of service use.

Read the Publication:

• Book Chapter: The Role of Discrimination on Latinxs’ Use of Mental Health Services: A LatCrit and Life-Course Perspective