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Assessing three adolescent groups in New Mexico using the Problem-oriented Screening Instrument
L A French1, N Picthall-French
1Social Sciences Department, Western New Mexico University, Silver City 88062, USA.
Psychological Reports
|August 1, 1996
Summary
Navajo girls exhibited the highest overall pathology scores, surpassing Navajo boys, white boys, and Hispanic boys. White and Hispanic girls scored below the minimum pathology threshold.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent mental health
- Cross-cultural psychology
- Behavioral health screening
Background:
- Understanding mental health disparities among diverse adolescent populations is crucial.
- The Problem-oriented Screening Instrument (POSI) is used to assess psychological distress.
- Rural adolescents may face unique challenges impacting their mental well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze and compare the psychological pathology scores of rural white, Hispanic, and Navajo adolescents.
- To identify potential differences in mental health indicators across these demographic groups.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Problem-oriented Screening Instrument (POSI) with 10 items.
- Administered the survey to a sample of 289 rural adolescents.
- Analyzed responses from white, Hispanic, and Navajo participants, stratified by gender.
Main Results:
- Navajo girls (n=40) demonstrated the highest overall pathology scores.
- Navajo boys (n=40), white boys (n=55), and Hispanic boys (n=51) followed in descending order of pathology.
- Hispanic girls (n=49) and white girls (n=54) scored below the minimum mean pathology score of 38.
Conclusions:
- Significant differences in psychological pathology exist among rural white, Hispanic, and Navajo adolescents.
- Navajo girls may represent a population requiring targeted mental health interventions.
- Further research is warranted to explore the factors contributing to these observed disparities.