MENTAL-HEALTH AND HELP-SEEKING AMONG ETHNIC-MINORITY ADOLESCENTS

Survey data are reported on the mental health status and professional help-seeking behavior of adolescents predominantly representing a sample of lower SES, ethnic minority backgrounds. Contrary to popular stereotypes, the sample’s mental health status was found to be similar to findings from samples from non-minority backgrounds. Despite evident need for help, respondents indicated low utilization of services. Among those who did use professional help, school-based sources and medical personnel were used most often. Of factors examined as potential predictors of help-seeking, cognitive-affective factors were accounted for a small, yet significant amount of the variance. The findings highlight the importance of studying within-group differences to avoid perpetuating incorrect generalizations related to persons from low SES and ethnic minority backgrounds. © 1994 Association for Professionals in Services for Adolescents.