Acceptability of Behavioral Activation for Depression Among Latinas: A Mixed Methods Study

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Mental Health
• Cultural Psychiatry

Background:

• Latinxs are the largest ethnoracial minority in the U.S. facing significant depression rates.
• Underutilization of behavioral health services by Latinxs, particularly women, highlights a critical gap in care.
• Behavioral activation (BA) is an evidence-based depression treatment with potential for this demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore Latinas' views on behavioral activation (BA) for depression treatment.
• To assess the acceptability of BA among Latinas.
• To examine the influence of enculturation and acculturation on BA treatment acceptability.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods study involving 77 Latinas.
• Quantitative assessment of BA treatment acceptability using a vignette.
• Qualitative semistructured interviews to explore perceptions of BA.

Main Results:

• Latinas generally held positive attitudes toward BA.
• Identified potential barriers to BA treatment success were noted.
• Enculturation, but not acculturation, significantly predicted BA treatment acceptability.

Conclusions:

• Behavioral activation (BA) shows promise as an acceptable depression treatment for Latinas.
• Addressing identified barriers may enhance treatment engagement and clinical outcomes.
• Further research is needed to generalize findings to Latinx men.