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Mental health stigma in depressed Latinos over the course of therapy: Results from a randomized controlled trial
Author(s) -
Collado Anahi,
Zvolensky Michael,
Lejuez Carl,
MacPherson Laura
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of clinical psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.124
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1097-4679
pISSN - 0021-9762
DOI - 10.1002/jclp.22777
Subject(s) - mental health , stigma (botany) , randomized controlled trial , attrition , psychology , clinical psychology , psychiatry , social stigma , population , depression (economics) , medicine , family medicine , environmental health , dentistry , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , economics , macroeconomics
Objective The current study examined the course, correlates, and predictors of mental health stigma among depressed, Spanish‐speaking Latinos that were receiving treatment. This population faces significant disparities in mental health treatment and carries high levels of mental health stigma. Method The study utilized data generated from a randomized clinical trial ( N = 46) that evaluated the efficacy of Behavioral Activation and Supportive Counseling for depression among Latinos. Results Mental health stigma decreased over time; these decreases were more pronounced among individuals who were randomized to Supportive Counseling. Mental health stigma was positively associated with depressive symptoms and therapeutic alliance over time. Mental health stigma was not related to treatment attrition. Conclusions These preliminary findings indicate that mental health stigma continues to be relevant among individuals who are actively participating in treatment. Receiving mental health treatment may be sufficient to dispel some of the stigmatizing views endorsed by underserved clinical populations.