Mental Health and Latino/a College Students

Abstract

This psychologically oriented study examined the use of mental health services by Latino/a college students. Significant differences were found between Latinos/as and non-Latinos/as on four variables: Latinos/as tended to live at home, have more children, be foreign born, and have past depression. Because the data for the Latino/a students revealed subtle signs of psychological distress, such as past depression and indications of suicidal behavior, it was hypothesized that low-level distress could be affecting Latino/a students. Finally, recommendations are made.Resumen: Este estudio orientado psicológicamente examinó el uso de servicios de salud mental para estudiantes universitarios latinos/as. Se encontraron diferencias significativas entre latinos/as y no latinos/as en cuatro variables: latinos/as tendieron a vivir con familia, tener más hijos, ser de nacimiento foráneo, y haber tenido depresión. Debido a que la información de los estudiantes latinos/as rebelaron signos sutiles de estrés psicológico como el haber tenido depresión e indicadores de conducta suicida se hipotetizó que el estrés de bajo nivel puede estar afectando a estudiantes latinos/as. Se hacen recomendaciones.

The Relationships Between First‑Year Students’ Sense of Purpose and Meaning in Life, Mental Health and Academic Performance

“…Therefore, the cut-off values were not used to assign a diagnosis or treatment, but rather to inform decisions about whether a more comprehensive clinical screening should be undertaken (Zimmerman, 2002). The high levels of symptoms present on the subscales is consistent with previous research that indicated that not only globally, but also locally, there is an increase in mental health problems amongst students (Del Pilar, 2009;Garlow et al, 2008;Gencoz & Or, 2006;Pillay et al, 2002). The recommendation for follow-up was most prominent regarding post-traumatic stress, alcohol abuse/dependency and major depression.…”

“…Hence, international research has indicated an upward trend over the last few decades in the quantity and severity of mental health problems presented by HE students (Del Pilar, 2009;Garlow et al, 2008;Gencoz & Or, 2006;Wang, Lee & Wahid, 2013). These studies demonstrated significant levels of depressive symptoms, suicide ideation, suicide attempts, anxiety, anger, and alcohol and drug use in students.…”

Supporting the 7th-Year Undergraduate

“…Although more research is needed to better understand this low-level psychological distress, university counseling centers should preemptively assess these symptoms among freshmen and students on academic probation. Early treatment of these symptoms may circumvent the onset of clinical depression or other major psychological disorders (Del Pilar, 2009). Discussion questions: Given the variety of factors that influence the use of mental health services by Hispanic/Latino(a) students, how can higher education administrators appropriately reach out to students who may be in need of counseling to attain academic success?…”

“…To add further complexity, recent research suggests that Hispanic/Latino(a) students may experience a continual low-level state of anxiety, worry, and sadness that does not meet the criteria for a formal diagnosis (Del Pilar, 2009). Students experiencing these subtle but persistent symptoms may feel that mental health counseling is unnecessary, and those interacting with the student may view the symptoms as minor.…”

“…Students experiencing these subtle but persistent symptoms may feel that mental health counseling is unnecessary, and those interacting with the student may view the symptoms as minor. Yet, this type of subclinical syndrome ( forme fruste or shadow syndrome , as termed by Ratey & Johnson, 1995, cited in Del Pilar, 2009) may prevent students from fully engaging in academic work and, in the presence of an unexpected stressor, may cause greater upset leading toward academic failure. Although more research is needed to better understand this low-level psychological distress, university counseling centers should preemptively assess these symptoms among freshmen and students on academic probation.…”