A Contextual Behavioral Framework for Enhancing Cultural Responsiveness in Behavioral Service Delivery for Latino Families

In recent years, the field of behavior analysis has shifted its attention to issues of diversity, social justice, and cultural responsiveness. With various cultural groups in the United States, behavior analytic practitioners increasingly find themselves serving clients of diverse cultural backgrounds. One of the populations that continue to face underrepresentation is Latinos. In the current article, a cultural understanding of the Latino culture is provided to support cultural responsiveness in behavioral service delivery. This article explores the Latino identity of individuals receiving behavioral services, systemic barriers faced by Latinos, the use of acceptance and commitment training for Latino families and clients, and Latino cultural values and their role in behavioral service delivery. Most important, a shift in perspective to account for the barriers perceived by practitioners within the context of Latino cultural values is offered through a contextual behavioral framework, the literature, and the authors' personal and professional experiences as Latino behavior analysts. Recommendations in the areas of assessment, treatment design, service delivery, and collaboration when working with Latinos are also discussed.