The Meaning of Death and Dying in the Los Angeles Mexican-American Community

This study is a community survey of attitudes & feelings about death, dying, & bereavement, & is based on the responses of 434 persons to a structured interview. 4 ethnic groups are represented: Black Americans, Japanese Americans, Mexican Americans, & Anglo Americans. A summary of each groups responses to the questionnaire is included (Table 1). Results indicate the Mexican American is the most likely to think of his own death frequently. Various interpretations of the results are presented.