Minority Families and Mental Health

Minority Families and Mental Health

By Kevin Leonard

Extensive research has demonstrated that ethnic minorities are far less likely to receive mental health care than White Americans (Nadeem, Lange, Miranda, 2008). There are several explanations in relation to the mental health disparities that are observed among different cultures.

Cultural differences within minority populations have been strongly associated with racial and ethnic disparities regarding mental health treatment (Snowden 2007). For instance, researchers, theorists, and clinical observers have noticed a greater sense of responsibility amongst ethnic minority families in terms of caring for mentally ill family members (Snowden 2007). It was also noted that ethnic minority persons are frequently sensitive to the needs and expectations of their families (Snowden 2007). Additionally, psychiatric illness is viewed as a western cultural construct (Knifton 2012). Individuals coming from other cultural backgrounds may view psychological distress as a form of illness. For example, many Asian cultures view psychiatric illness as being related to religion or the supernatural (Knifton 2012).

The geographical location of these minority groups is integral when examining mental health disparities. Lower income areas tend to have higher rates of mental illness. More specifically, being exposed to material and social disadvantages increases rates of mental illness (Knifton 2012). In general, mental illness and overall psychological discomfort may be perpetuated by relative inequality (Knifton 2012). Problems within our government also contribute to the mental health disparities among minority populations. More specifically, governmental institutions typically under-invest in health services within communities with lower incomes (Knifton 2012). The lack of funding and subsequent lack of health services undoubtedly contributes to the disparity.

The stigma surrounding mental health within minority groups can profoundly impact an individual’s decision to seek care. Research has indicated that minority groups in the United States exhibit higher levels of stigma than White Americans (Nadeem et al., 2008). Stigmas are characterized by distorted beliefs, negative attitudes, and discriminatory behaviors (Knifton 2012). Social consequences are often feared when seeking help from mental health professionals (Knifton 2012). What can be done to decrease the stigma surrounding mental health? 

The perpetuation of mental health stigma in the media. 

The Reality: 1 in 4 people suffer from mental illness

Questions:

1. Have you or has anyone you have been close to experienced mental health stigma? If so, how was this problem solved?

2. What can be done to alleviate the mental health stigma among minority groups?

3. What do you feel is the primary contributor to this disparity?

References

Knifton, L. (2012). Understanding and addressing the stigma of mental illness with ethnic minority communities. Health Sociology Review, 21(3), 287-298.

Nadeem, E., Lange, J. M., & Miranda, J. (2008). Mental health care preferences among low-income and minority women. Archives Of Women's Mental Health, 11(2), 93-102. doi:10.1007/s00737-008-0002-0

Snowden, L. R. (2007). Explaining Mental Health Treatment Disparities: Ethnic and Cultural Differences in Family Involvement. Culture, Medicine & Psychiatry, 31(3), 389-402. doi:10.1007/s11013-007-9057-z