PUB TYPE Reports- Research/Technical (143)-- Speeches/Conference Papers (150)

This study explored empirically the influence of acculturation (Hispanics ' acquisition of behavioral patterns of the North AmeriCan culture) on help seeking (coping) when a stressful event is experienced. It has been proposed that mental health services in the United States are highly reflective of Anglo American cultural values and thus culturally irrelevant to Hispanics. Hispanic heads of households (N=248) were interviewed by telephone. Experience with stressful life events and strategies used to cope with them were assessed, as well as demographic information, types of problems any family member may have experienced during the last year, Whether assistance was sought and from whom, and the degree of satisfaction with the help. The experience of at least one problem was reported by or 79%, of the respondents. Only 47 or 24 % reported receiving assistance by someone else. Contrary to expectations, only 15