Mental health: Identifying barriers to Hmong students' use of mental health services
Author(s):
Vang, Kong Meng
Format:
Thesis
Degree granted:
Ed.S.
Publisher:
Ann Arbor : California State University, Fresno, 2010.
Pages:
116
Language:
English
Abstract:
Impoverished and minority children have the highest chances of not receiving mental health care. In particular, approximately 50% of the Hmong are at increased risks for mental illness. This study investigated acculturation and perceived stigmatization effects on 89 Hmong high school students' attitudes toward seeking mental health services and perceived barriers. There were five main hypotheses: (1) Perceived family stigmatization would be related to self perceived stigmatization. Results indicated that perceived stigmatization of the community, family, and self were all significantly intercorrelated. (2) Stigmatization would be related to attitudes toward mental health services. No support was found for this hypothesis. (3) Acculturation would be related to stigmatization; and (4) Attitudes toward mental health. No support was found for these two hypotheses. (5) Knowledge and embarrassment barriers would be related to mental health use. Difficulties in making appointments was the only significantly related barrier. The discussion explored these findings in relation to prior research and directions for future research.