Acculturation, barriers, and child functioning as predictors of Hmong parents' attitudes towards their children's mental health
Author(s):
Mouanoutoua, Amy
Format:
Thesis
Degree granted:
Ph.D.
Publisher:
Ann Arbor : Alliant International University, 2015.
Pages:
113
Language:
English
Abstract:
The primary purpose of this study was to explore Hmong parents’ attitudes regarding their children’s mental health. Four hypotheses were explored: Hmong parents who are less acculturated, have greater perceived barriers, and endorsed more child symptoms will have (1) lower help-seeking intentions, (2) lower help-seeking attitudes, and (3) more stigmatization towards mental health. The last hypothesis was qualitative examining Hmong parents’ descriptions of mental health disorder and treatment. A series of sequential multiple regressions were employed to analyze the three quantitative hypotheses. Block One included only Acculturation. Block Two comprised of Tangible Barriers, Intangible Provider Barriers, and Intangible Child Barriers. Block Three encompassed Child Functioning Barriers and parents’ total scores on the Pediatric Symptom Checklist-17. Hmong parents’ acculturation, barriers, and child symptoms were statistically significant in assessing Hmong parents’ attitudes towards their children’s mental health. Intangible barriers and child symptoms were robust variables in predicting help-seeking intentions. Intangible barriers and acculturation significantly influenced Hmong parents’ helpseeking attitudes and perceived mental health stigma. Regardless of parents’ place of birth, the majority of Hmong parents are able to identify mental health disorders and treatment such as therapy and medication. Post hoc analyses yield no significant differences in Hmong parents’ mental health attitudes, barriers, and view of child functioning regardless of their Place of Birth and Gender. Regardless of place of birth, Hmong parents share similar cultural values; however, more U.S. Born parents endorsed engaging in Western cultural practices compared to their counterparts. Approximately a third of the parents endorsed having children with pediatric symptoms in the at risk range for mental health problems on the PSC-17, but only 18% of those same parents identified their child as having a problem for which she/he needs help. Western mental health providers need to be cognizant of how Hmong parents may have a combination of factors influencing their utilization of mental health services for their children. In particular, Hmong parents’ may value mental health behaviors differently from Western norms. Furthermore, stigma of mental health providers and stigma of children’s behaviors may prevent Hmong parents from seeking mental health services.