An Analysis of Culturalism in Latino Mental Health: Folk Medicine as a Case in Point

Abstract

This paper examines the cultural perspective often advocated by Latino mental health workers and identifies some of its limiting aspects. Particular attention is given to folk healing practices as reflecting the current culturalist perspective in order to put in focus its limitations and strengths, and to offer an alternative conceptualization. This analysis is informed by a critical perspective which pursues an examination of a given reality in order to demystify its structure and identify its underlying and interconnected elements.

From “Kickeando las malias” (Kicking the Withdrawals) to “Staying clean”: The Impact of Cultural Values on Cessation of Injection Drug Use in Aging Mexican-American Men

“…Thus, it is clear from the literature that these traditional values cut both ways. While described in the literature (Amaro et al, 2006; Brisson, Roll, & East, 2009; Cloud & Granfield, 2008; Cuadrado & Lieberman, 2002; Cunningham, Foster, & Warner, 2010; DeLaCancela & Martinez, 1983; Delgado, 2007; Gil et al, 2004; Higgs et al, 2008; Smith et al, 2009; Torres et al, 2002; Unger et al, 2002; Valdez et al, 2008), this dynamic has not received a name, and it has rarely been studied in an IDU population. The authors of this article use the term “Dichotomization of cultural values paradigm” to refer to this phenomenon, described extensively in the discussion section.…”

Recruiting and retaining low-income Latinos in psychotherapy research.

“…In fact, Keefe, Padilla, and Carlos (1978) found that only 2% of 666 Mexican Americans surveyed in Los Angeles had consulted a curandero, who dispenses herbal medicines and potions, for emotional problems in the previous year. Of course, use of traditional healers may be underreported because of social desireability ( Comas-Diaz, 1981a, 1981bDe La Cancela & Zavala, 1983 ). Regardless of absolute accuracy of reports, use of traditional healers should only account for a small portion of underutilization of mental health services by Latinos.…”

Hispanic Natural Support Systems and Alcohol and Other Drug Services:

“…When Hispanic clients volunteer information concerning key individuals in their life or belief systems, the provider will actively try to change the client; for example, if a client believes that his/her problems may be the result of evil spirits, a provider may either downplay their significance or raise serious concerns about the client's mental state (De La Cancela andZavala Martinez, 1983, Singer, 1984;Singer and Borrero, 1984).…”