Perceptions of Mental Health Among Recently Immigrated Mexican Adolescents

This study explored the health-related perceptions of Mexican-origin immigrant adolescents to inform the design of culturally & developmentally appropriate mental health services. This focused ethnography was guided by Bronfenbrenner’s ecological framework & symbolic interactionism. 14 adolescents were recruited from 2 non-health based community settings. 3 thematic categories were delineated: mentally healthy, mentally unhealthy, & promoting health. Mentally unhealthy perceptions included personal & peer mental health concerns or problems including anxiety, depression, suicide ideation, isolation, & stress. (56 refs.)