Elias Moitinho, Ph.D.
The Hispanic/Latino population is the largest minority group in the U.S. with 55.4 million people (http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/06/25/u-s-hispanic-population-growth-surge-cools/). However, it is important to remember that there is no typical Hispanic or Latino person because of the tremendous diversity within this culture. This population is ethnically, culturally, economically, educationally, and even religiously diverse.
Hispanic/Latino individuals and families living in the U.S. face multiple challenges. Although one may easily assume that immigration would be a top concern for Hispanics, Krogstad (2014) points out that “In 2013, some 57% of Hispanic registered voters called education an “extremely important” issue facing the nation today. That’s compared with jobs and the economy (52%) and health care (43%). Just 32% said immigration” (http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2014/06/02/top-issue-for-hispanics-hint-its-not-immigration/). So, what are some of the top challenges facing Hispanic/Latino individuals and families in the U.S.?
The 5 challenges listed in this article are interrelated, but they are not mentioned in order of importance:
1. Language
Language is an essential part for any ethnic/cultural group. While Hispanics/Latinos have in common the Spanish language, one should not ignore the fact that Brazilians, who are not Hispanics, but rather Latinos, speak Portuguese. Sanchez (2006) notes that among Hispanics, recent immigrants speak primarily Spanish whereas the second and third generations may be bi-lingual or English speakers.
Language certainly affects one’s ability to pursue an education, to get jobs, and to cement family relationships. Furthermore, culture is transmitted through language. Therefore, immigrant parents who primarily speak Spanish or Portuguese may force their children to speak the language of their country of origin. Consequently, a challenge for many Hispanic/Latino families is to determine which language will be predominant in the family. However, at the same time, many families realize that they need to be proficient in English in order to navigate the American culture successfully. According to the Pew Research Center, English proficiency is growing among Hispanics/Latinos (http://www.pewhispanic.org/2015/05/12/english-proficiency-on-the-rise-among-latinos/).
2. Acculturation
Acculturation has been defined as “Adaptation by learning cultural and behavioral patterns of the host or larger society . . . resulting in modification of their cultural and behavioral patterns” (Axelson, 1999. p. 6). Acculturation influences and changes language use, values, behaviors, norms, and worldview among other aspects of a culture. According to acculturation models, a person may be high acculturated, low acculturated, or bicultural. Acculturation also affects a person’s identity. According to the Pew Research Center, in the Hispanic/Latino community, 51% prefer to identify themselves with the family’s country of origin, 24% prefer to use the term Hispanic/Latino, and 21% prefer to identify as American (http://www.pewhispanic.org/2012/04/04/when-labels-dont-fit-hispanics-and-their-views-of-identity/). Moreover, acculturation may create intercultural conflict as children tend to assimilate the American culture at a faster pace than their immigrant parents. Parents may resent this acculturation for fear that their children are rejecting the parents’ culture. Finally, acculturation may exacerbate intergenerational conflicts within the family.
3. Education and Low SES
Sadly, Hispanics/Latinos have low levels of educational attainments and low SES. In fact, “The high school dropout rate among Latino youths (17%) is nearly three times as high as it is among white youths (6%) and nearly double the rate among blacks (9%). Rates for all groups have been declining for decades” (http://www.pewhispanic.org/2009/12/11/between-two-worlds-how-young-latinos-come-of-age-in-america/). Cárdenas & Kerby (2012) note that Hispanic/Latino enrollment in colleges is growing, but they still lag behind compared to African-American, Whites, and Asians (https://cdn.americanprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/issues/2012/08/pdf/stateoflatinos.pdf). Schneider, Martinez, & Owens (2006) point out that this challenge is intensified by the fact that “For Hispanics, initial disadvantages often stem from parents’ immigrant and socioeconomic status and their lack of knowledge about the U.S. education system” (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK19909/).
4. Mental Health Issues
Rios-Ellis et al. (2005) identified several issues affecting Hispanic/Latino mental health including depression, chemical use, domestic violence, and suicide among others (http://www2.nami.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Find_Support/Multicultural_Support/Sharing_Hope1/Rios-NAMILatinoMentalHealth2006.pdf). Unfortunately, Hispanic/Latino individuals underutilize mental health services due to various reasons including low acculturation, reliance on the family network, cultural values such as loyalty to the family and collectivism, lack of knowledge about psychological resources available, language barrier, reliance on the clergy/religious leaders, and use of indigenous resources. Lack of health insurance is also a major factor preventing Hispanics/Latinos from receiving mental health care. According to the Center for American Progress, “Across all racial and ethnic groups, Latinos report the highest uninsured rates in the United States” (https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/race/report/2012/08/08/11984/the-state-of-latinos-in-the-united-states/).
5. Immigration
The issue of immigration has been on the news for a while and it has also been a part of the political debates. Certainly, any decision by the U.S. government regarding immigration will affect the Hispanic/Latino community immensely. Although the rate of immigration for Latin America is slowing down (http://www.pewhispanic.org/2015/09/15/the-impact-of-slowing-immigration-foreign-born-share-falls-among-14-largest-us-hispanic-origin-groups/), Hispanic/Latino immigrants still deal with the effects of the challenging immigration experience. Dettlaff & Rycraft (2006) note that “Latino immigrant families, whether documented or undocumented, face severe challenges upon entering the United States. The loss of their community and other social supports make them vulnerable to stress, depression, and a host of other complications” (p. 19).
What can Christian counselors do?
Here are a few things that Christian counselors can do. First, Christian counselors can continue to grow in their awareness of the challenges facing their Hispanic/Latino clients. Such awareness will help counselors understand the world of their clients. Second, Christian counselors need to believe that they can make a difference in the lives of Hispanic/Latino individuals and families in their community. Third, Christian counselors must continue to develop their multicultural competencies. Becoming members of the Multicultural Division (MCD) of the AACC will provide counselors with knowledge, skills, and resources that will enhance their multicultural competencies. Finally, Christian counselors can bring the hope of the Gospel message to the Hispanic/Latino community. This is certainly part of the great commission which involves reaching people of all ethnic groups (Matthew 28:19).
References
Axelson, J. A. (1999). Counseling and development in a multicultural society (3d ed.). Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole.
Dettlaff, A. & Rycraft, J. (2006) The impact of migration and acculturation on Latino children and families: Implications for child welfare practice. Protecting children, 21(2), 6-21.
Sánchez, D. R. (2006). Hispanic realities impacting America: Implications for evangelism & missions. Fort Worth, TX: Church Starting Network.
Elias Moitinho, Ph.D., LPC-S, LPC, LMFT, BCPCC is the Residential Department Chair and Associate Professor of Counseling at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. Dr. Moitinho has many years of pastoral ministry, counseling, and teaching experience having served in various roles such as pastor, counselor, seminary professor, and director of a Christian counseling center. Prior to joining Liberty he served as the Hope for the Heart Chair of Biblical Counseling at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX. Dr. Moitinho is interested in multicultural counseling focusing specifically on the Hispanic/Latino population. In addition to his ministry experience in his native country of Brazil, Dr. Moitinho has taught as guest professor in seminaries in Mexico, Cuba, and Spain. He is an active member of the AACC. His email address is emoitinho2@liberty.edu