Pilot Testing a Narrative Psychoeducational Video to Reduce Stigma and Improve Mental Health Literacy and Help-Seeking Among Latinx Adults: Examining Gender Differences and Contextual Insights

Despite similar rates of mental illness, non-Latinx Whites (NLW) received care at higher rates compared to Latinxs (National Institute of Mental Health, 2024). Latinx adults report lower mental health literacy (MHL) and higher stigma compared to NLW, which can explain treatment disparities, as both are linked to lower service utilization by Benuto et al. (Community Mental Health Journal, 56(7):1275–1283, 2019) and Mendoza et al. (International Journal for the Advancement of Counseling, 37(3):207–222, 2015). Given how these factors influence service use, our study examined the effect of a culturally informed psychoeducational video intervention on increasing MHL and reducing stigma among a non-college-educated Latinx adult sample, and whether this relationship depended on gender. We also assessed whether these changes in MHL and stigma led to increased help-seeking intentions. Results revealed that the video successfully increased MHL among the full sample and, unexpectedly, increased perceived stigma among Latinx females. Changes in MHL and stigma did not result in increased help-seeking intentions. To better understand these findings, we conducted a qualitative analysis of two open-ended questions, which provided context for why the video was effective in increasing MHL and why it unexpectedly increased perceived stigma in females. Additionally, the qualitative results offered insights into other factors that might influence Latinx adults’ help-seeking intentions. These findings will guide the development of future psychoeducational videos tailored for a Latinx audience, potentially helping to improve access to and utilization of mental health services.