Eastern Kentucky University
Achieving a Whole Self: Mental Health Education within the Latinx Community
Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
Major
Nursing and Spanish
KY House District #
6
KY Senate District #
7
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Dr. Gomez-Becerra, Dr. Poffenberger, Dr. Zaragoza
Abstract
My thesis researches the patterns of mental health awareness within the Latino/a/x population in the U.S.. Latinos are not only the fastest growing population in the country, it is also an emerging population in Kentucky. In my research, I identify the following significant factors associated with mental health awareness in the Latinx community: culturally informed/responsive therapy, triggers and stressors for mental health, addressing cultural stigmas about mental health, mental health practices, mental health advocacy, and embracing culture as a strategy for mental health. My thesis project involves a practical psychoeducational intervention consisting of a six-session curriculum structured as group conversations to better gauge mental health needs in my community. The session curriculum includes a specific topic, objectives, learning- material (resources), an activity, and a cumulative reflection per session. In Particular, the cumulative reflection focuses on the resources available to educate the Latino/a/x community about mental health and what are some barriers to achieve awareness. This project weaves my reflections with research on mental health perceptions in the Latino/a/x community to provide a critical understanding of what are the immediate mental health needs of the Latinx population in Kentucky.
Achieving a Whole Self: Mental Health Education within the Latinx Community
My thesis researches the patterns of mental health awareness within the Latino/a/x population in the U.S.. Latinos are not only the fastest growing population in the country, it is also an emerging population in Kentucky. In my research, I identify the following significant factors associated with mental health awareness in the Latinx community: culturally informed/responsive therapy, triggers and stressors for mental health, addressing cultural stigmas about mental health, mental health practices, mental health advocacy, and embracing culture as a strategy for mental health. My thesis project involves a practical psychoeducational intervention consisting of a six-session curriculum structured as group conversations to better gauge mental health needs in my community. The session curriculum includes a specific topic, objectives, learning- material (resources), an activity, and a cumulative reflection per session. In Particular, the cumulative reflection focuses on the resources available to educate the Latino/a/x community about mental health and what are some barriers to achieve awareness. This project weaves my reflections with research on mental health perceptions in the Latino/a/x community to provide a critical understanding of what are the immediate mental health needs of the Latinx population in Kentucky.