The Changing Perceptions of Mental Illness in a Mexican-American Community

Abstract

The thesis that Mexican Americans' perceptions of mental illness are similar to those held by Anglos is so widely accepted by students of mental illness that its validity has seldom been questioned. Using survey research methods a comparative investigation between samples of Anglo and Mexican American respondents concerning perceptions toward mental illness was conducted in selected Los Angeles communities. The interviews centre on short vignettes describing imaginary persons as suffering from what psychiatrists generally consider mental illness. To account for changes in perceptions several hypotheses are tested: the acculcuration, Mexican culture, adolescent and Chicano generation theses. The Chicano generat on thesis proved to be significant. Young Chicanos perceive mental illness not only differently from, but in a narrower perspective than, the Anglo and the older Mexican American.