Understanding Family-Level Mental Health Stigma in Latino Communities

Background: Stigma associated with mental health issues in families, particularly among Latinx communities, represents a significant social challenge that remains relatively underexplored in research. This study aims to fill a critical gap in our understanding of how sociodemographic characteristics, spirituality, and cultural values influence the stigma experienced by families of individuals with mental health conditions. The research builds on the concept of familismo, a value deeply embedded in Latinx cultures that emphasizes the importance of family loyalty and support. Prior research has indicated that stigma not only affects individuals with mental health issues but also extends to their families, potentially increasing their social isolation and reducing their access to needed services. This study hypothesizes that higher levels of education and spirituality might influence perceptions and attitudes towards mental health stigma in family settings.

Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 469 Latinx adults in the Houston area, who were field-recruited by a bilingual/bicultural research team at community events organized by Latinx-focused organizations, including churches, social service agencies, and ESL classes. Following consent, participants completed a survey in English or Spanish, which included the Devaluation of Consumer Families Scale and the Daily Spiritual Experience Scale. Variables such as education, spirituality, acculturation, and familiarity with mental health problems were assessed. Data analysis was performed using SPSS and Mplus, with multiple regression models exploring predictors of family stigma.

Results: The mean age of participants was 42.8 years (SD = 16.12) and 69% identified as female. Educational levels varied, with a substantial proportion of participants having less than a high school education (36.8%). Education emerged as a significant negative predictor of family stigma. Specifically, compared to participants with only primary school education, those who completed secondary school demonstrated lower stigma scores by an average of 0.21 points, t(467) = -2.08, p = .04. Participants with some college education or higher showed even more significant reductions in stigma scores, averaging a decrease of 0.27 points compared to the primary education group, t(467) = −2.71, p = .007. Spirituality was also a significant predictor, albeit with a much smaller effect size. Higher levels of reported daily spiritual experiences were associated with a slight increase in stigma, with each unit increase in the spirituality score contributing to a 0.01 point increase in stigma, t(467) = 2.10, p =.04. This suggests a complex relationship between spirituality and perceptions of mental health stigma within families.

Conclusions: The study demonstrates that educational attainment is a crucial factor in reducing stigma towards families with mental health challenges in Latinx communities. Increased education correlates with decreased stigma, highlighting the potential of educational interventions to mitigate stigma. Furthermore, the slight increase in stigma associated with higher spirituality levels suggests that religious beliefs might influence stigma perceptions, warranting further exploration. These insights are vital for developing targeted interventions that address cultural and educational barriers, thereby fostering supportive environments for families dealing with mental health issues. Future research should continue to dissect the roles of cultural values and acculturation in shaping stigma to refine intervention strategies effectively.