Title

Attitudes Toward Mental Health Services Among American Indians by Two Age Groups

Journal Title

Community Mental Health Journal

Publication Date

2015

Abstract

This study examined determinants of attitudes toward mental health services with a sample of American Indian younger-old-adults (aged 50–64, n = 158) and American Indian older-old adults (aged 65 and older, n = 69). Adapting Andersen’s behavioral model of healthcare utilization, predisposing factors, mental health needs, and enabling factors were considered as potential predictors. Female and those with higher levels of social support tend to report more positive attitudes toward mental health services. Culture-influenced personal belief was associated with negative attitudes toward mental health services among American Indian younger-old -adults. Age and higher chronic medical conditions were significantly related to negative attitudes toward mental health services. Health insurance was positively associated with positive attitudes toward mental health services in the American Indian older-old adults. Findings indicate that practitioners should engage how culture, social support, and chronic conditions influence the response to mental health needs when working with older American Indians.

Keywords

American Indians; Mental health services; Older adults; Social stigma; Social support

Document Type

Article

Disciplines

Social and Behavioral Sciences | Social Work

Volume

51

Issue

8

First Page

970

Last Page

977

DOI

10.1007/s10597-015-9859-3

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