Depression Research and Treatment
Volume 2011, 2011

More similar than different? Exploring cultural models of depression among latino immigrants in Florida (Article) (Open Access)

Martinez Tyson D.D.* , Castañeda H. , Porter M. , Quiroz M. , Carrion I.
  • a Department of Aging and Mental Health Disparities, College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, University of South Florida, 13301 Bruce B. Downs Boulevord, Tampa, FL 33612-3807, United States
  • b Department of Anthropology, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33620-8100, United States
  • c Department of Mental Health Law and Policy, College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, University of South Florida, 13301 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33612-3807, United States
  • d Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling, College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, University of South Florida, 13301 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33612-3807, United States
  • e School of Social Work MGY 132, College of Behavioral Community Sciences, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33620-8100, United States

Abstract

The Surgeon General's report, "Culture, Race, and Ethnicity: A Supplement to Mental Health," points to the need for subgroup specific mental health research that explores the cultural variation and heterogeneity of the Latino population. Guided by cognitive anthropological theories of culture, we utilized ethnographic interviewing techniques to explore cultural models of depression among foreign-born Mexican (n = 30), Cuban (n = 30), Columbian (n = 30), and island-born Puerto Ricans (n = 30), who represent the largest Latino groups in Florida. Results indicate that Colombian, Cuban, Mexican, and Puerto Rican immigrants showed strong intragroup consensus in their models of depression causality, symptoms, and treatment. We found more agreement than disagreement among all four groups regarding core descriptions of depression, which was largely unexpected but can potentially be explained by their common immigrant experiences. Findings expand our understanding about Latino subgroup similarities and differences in their conceptualization of depression and can be used to inform the adaptation of culturally relevant interventions in order to better serve Latino immigrant communities. © 2011 Dinorah (Dina) Martinez Tyson et al.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84873873484&doi=10.1155%2f2011%2f564396&partnerID=40&md5=33c27b10c76ca56171b4fd8a23c69e0d
DOI: 10.1155/2011/564396
ISSN: 20901321
Cited by: 10
Original Language: English