Perspectives on Finances and Mental Health Status among Low-Income Los Angeles Latinas

Authors

Luisa R. Blanco, School of Public Policy, Pepperdine University 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
Jessica A. Baker, Iris Cantor-UCLA Women’s Health Education and Research Center 1100 Glendon Ave., Suite 850, Los Angeles, CA 90024
Julie A. Friedman, Iris Cantor-UCLA Women’s Health Education and Research Center 1100 Glendon Ave., Suite 850, Los Angeles, CA 90024Follow
Karen T. Singh, Iris Cantor-UCLA Women’s Health Education and Research Center 1100 Glendon Ave., Suite 850, Los Angeles, CA 90024
Arleen F. Brown, Community Engagement and Research Program, Clinical and Translational Science Institute; General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA; Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Sylmar, California, USA
Sierra D. Moon, Iris Cantor-UCLA Women’s Health Education and Research Center 1100 Glendon Ave., Suite 850, Los Angeles, CA 90024
Savanna L. Carson, Community Engagement and Research Program, Clinical and Translational Science Institute; General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA; Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Sylmar, California, USA
Audree Hsu, Iris Cantor-UCLA Women’s Health Education and Research Center 1100 Glendon Ave., Suite 850, Los Angeles, CA 90024
Janet Pregler, Iris Cantor-UCLA Women’s Health Center; Department of Internal Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 100 Medical Plaza, Suite 250, Los Angeles, CA 90024

Keywords

Undocumented, Documented, Latina, Low-Income Women, Mental Health, Finances

Abstract

Abstract

Research has established a link between financial challenges and mental health outcomes. Understanding this linkage among low-income Latinas who face unique experiences and challenges in relation to managing their household finances is important. This study utilized a community-based participatory qualitative research method to explore perspectives on financial and mental health among Latinas residing in Los Angeles County. The implications of this study are applicable when conducting a culturally responsive financial therapy program. Three focus groups were conducted with mainly immigrant, Spanish-speaking, low-income Latinas (n = 37). The study found that though participants face financial stressors tied to managing finances, they were eager to learn new skills and tools for improved financial practices and mental health therapies. For financial education interventions targeted to Latinas, it is best to use interventions that incorporate peer-support groups, improve knowledge about financial management tools and financial products available in the community, and therapeutic interventions to address financial stress.

Key words: immigrants, household financial decision-making, savings, formal financial services, financial stress

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Blanco, L. R., Baker, J. A., Friedman, J. A., Singh, K. T., Brown, A. F., Moon, S. D., Carson, S. L., Hsu, A., & Pregler, J. (2020). Perspectives on Finances and Mental Health Status among Low-Income Los Angeles Latinas. Journal of Financial Therapy, 11 (2) 4. https://doi.org/10.4148/1944-9771.1221