Mental Health Professionals’ Attitudes, Perceptions, and Stereotypes Toward Latino Undocumented Immigrants

• Published in: Ethics & behavior 2018-07, Vol.28 (5), p.374-388
• Main Authors: Alfaro, Michelle A., Bui, Ngoc H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Attitude measures; Attitudes; Clinical competence; Codes of conduct; Cultural competence; Discrimination; Hispanic people; Immigration; Latin American cultural groups; Medical personnel; Mental health; Mental health care; Mental health professionals; Multiculturalism & pluralism; Noncitizens; Perceptions; Psychologists; Racial discrimination; Stereotypes; Undocumented immigrants
• ISSN: 1050-8422; 1532-7019
• DOI: 10.1080/10508422.2017.1300773

We assessed the attitudes, perceptions, and stereotypes toward Latino immigrants among 247 mental health professionals across 32 U.S. states. We also randomly presented two versions of an attitude measure that varied in their references to immigrants ("illegal aliens" or "undocumented immigrants"). Participants reported that they did not agree with the anti-immigration law Arizona SB 1070 and other similar bills. Also, greater multicultural awareness was related to positive attitudes and fewer stereotypes toward immigrants. Furthermore, participants who were asked to think about "undocumented immigrants" viewed Latino immigrants more positively than those who were asked think about "illegal aliens." Findings show the continued need for multicultural awareness and competence training for mental health professionals, which align with the American Psychological Association's Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (i.e., Principle E: Respect for People's Rights and Dignity and Standard 3.01: Unfair Discrimination). Limitations and future directions for research are discussed.