Ethnic cultural value typologies and mental health parameters among Indians

Indians comprise a distinct cultural community within the United States (U.S.). In this population, research suggests that differing levels of adherence to ethnic cultural values relate to mental health symptoms, treatment preferences, and treatment-seeking barriers. Uniquely, the current study examined ethnic cultural value typologies and their relationship with mental health parameters (distress, mental health severity, internal/institutional barriers to seeking treatment, and treatment preference domains of therapist directiveness, emotional intensity, past orientation, and support). The sample included 231 Indians (55.40% females; Mage=34.70) recruited at local cultural events. Latent profile analysis (LPA) indicated a best-fitting 3-class solution: Family-Oriented and Collectivistic, Moderate Traditionalists, and Integrated Cultural-Self. Multinomial logistic regressions indicated that endorsing greater distress, internal barriers to seeking treatment, and a treatment preference for therapist directiveness increased the chances of being in the Moderate Traditionalist Class vs. the Integrated Cultural-Self Class. Endorsing greater institutional barriers to seeking treatment and a preference for past orientation increased the chances of being in the Integrated Cultural-Self Class vs. the Moderate Traditionalist Class. Endorsing internal barriers to seeking treatment increased the chances of being in the Moderate Traditionalist Class vs. the Family-Oriented and Collectivistic Class. Findings highlight diversity in ethnic cultural value patterns and the importance of providing support, outreach, and intervention services especially to Indians in the Moderate Traditionalist Class who experience greater distress and internal barriers to seeking treatment. Psychotherapy with Indians should address and accommodate culturally-influenced treatment preferences of this group.