Mexican Americans and mental health: a selected review and recommendations for mental health service delivery.

Eight working assumptions are generated from the literature in three problem areas and evaluated with recently published quantitative data, paying particular attention to variation within the ethnic group. Assumptions that Mexican Americans have few emotional problems, primarily use a folk medical system, do not rely on clergymen for emotional support, and have negative attitudes toward mental health services are rejected. Two assumptions are qualified: Mexican Americans have some emotional problems at different rates than Anglos and some Mexican subgroups are relatively unaware of mental health services. There is confirmation of the Mexican American extended family support system and mental health policies which variously discourage utilization by Mexican Americans. Implications for mental health service delivery are discussed.