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Psychotherapy with Mexican-American patients
1University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio.
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|May 1, 1992
Summary
Psychotherapy referral patterns and treatment outcomes for Mexican-Americans have changed. Earlier beliefs about their resistance to psychotherapy may no longer be valid due to cultural shifts.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Cultural Psychiatry
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Previous studies suggested Mexican-Americans were less likely to receive psychotherapy and more resistant to it.
- This study investigates if these trends persist after 20 years of cultural change.
Observation:
- A university hospital psychotherapy service's patient records from 1979-1986 were analyzed.
- Data included ethnicity, demographics, treatment recommendations, and therapy outcomes.
- Comparisons were made between Mexican-American and Anglo-American patients.
Findings:
- Minor differences in age and education were observed between groups.
- No significant differences were found in other demographic factors, treatment modalities, or therapy completion rates.
Implications:
- The established clinical lore regarding psychotherapy with Mexican-Americans may be outdated.
- Cultural evolution and socioeconomic factors might explain previous findings, necessitating a re-evaluation of treatment approaches.