Hispanic and Mexican Heritage and Health Beliefs

Cultural Group

A Brief History

• Hispanic and Latino Americans are chosen.
• The long time of nations’ development.
• “The history of admixture and migrations” (Bryc, Durand, Macpherson, Reich, & Mountain, 2015, p. 37).
• Constant interaction among different tribes.
• A significant number assimilated among Americans.

Values and Worldview

• Following the traditions and religious foundations.
• The value of family and relationships.
• The protection of national interests and ideas.
• Close relationships with ancestors (Bryc et al., 2017).
• Separate culture and strong self-expression.

Language and Communication Patterns

• Spanish is dominant among the population.
• Gestures and non-verbal forms of interaction.
• The speech is lively and active.
• Adherence to communication and interaction.
• Different language dialects and lexical patterns (Bryc et al., 2017).

Art and Other Expressive Forms

• Art is the essential component of culture.
• Ancient monuments of architecture are preserved.
• Passion for music and national motives.
• Famous historical manuscripts of ancient tribes (Bryc et al., 2017).
• The influence of different cultural backgrounds.

Norms and Rules

• Family values are considered paramount.
• The selfless protection of relatives’ interests.
• Religion is an important aspect of life.
• Respect for all older adults.
• Adherence to national traditions and customs.

Lifestyle Characteristics

• Rallying and uniting are encouraged.
• The desire to prove cultural identity.
• Adherence to the values of ancestors.
• They are protecting the interests of national unity.
• People’s habits are often similar.

Relationship Patterns and Common Rituals

• Betrayal is regarded as a sin.
• Frequent pastime with family members.
• Traditional worship and religious prayers.
• Typical funeral and wedding ceremonies.
• Revenge in case of an offense.

Degree of Assimilation

• The assimilation level is high (Alarcón et al., 2016).
• I am forming communities and groups.
• Reservations are usually not created.
• Interracial marriages are not condemned.
• Access to all social services.

Health Behaviors and Practices

• Health care services are free.
• Traditional forms of treatment are found.
• “Depression and suicidal behaviors” (Alarcón et al., 2016, p. 863).
• Natural drugs are usually encouraged.
• Resistance to various environmental influences.

Socio-Cultural Group

A Brief History

• The Mexican heritage is taken.
• The long period of assimilation.
• Constant communication with the Americans.
• The rich heritage and cultural background.
• Self-identity and the unique environment.

Values and Worldview

• The value of family ties.
• The protection of personal interests.
• The high level of self-awareness.
• Cultural heritage awareness and adherence (Solis & Callanan, 2016).
• Traditionalism and canonicity in lifestyle.

Language and Communication Patterns

• The Spanish language is dominant.
• The vividness of emotional expression.
• Rather a rich lexical composition.
• Unique language dialects and idioms.
• Non-verbal communication is usually encouraged.

Art and Other Expressive Forms

• Mexican music is very popular.
• National songs are performed everywhere.
• Kahlo is a famous painter.
• The influence of neighboring cultures.
• They preserved architectural monuments and constructions.

Norms and Rules

• Respect for the national identity.
• The preservation and enhancement of heritage.
• They are protecting the interests of loved ones.
• The desire to prove personal freedom.
• Unity is an integral feature.

Lifestyle Characteristics

• Typical eating and treating habits.
• People’s grouping and community lifestyle.
• Frequent emigration for stable income.
• Mexican habits are known worldwide.
• The combination of modern-traditional foundations.

Relationship Patterns and Common Rituals

• Ritual ceremonies are strictly observed.
• Catholic traditions are revered (Yom-Tov, Strong, & Strong, 2017).
• The value of relationships is significant.
• Relations with fellow citizens are peaceful.
• Loved ones are always protected.

Degree of Assimilation

• Frequent interracial marriages are normal.
• The influence of neighboring cultures is reflected.
• Constant communication with different nations.
• The absence of restrictions on departures.
• Entry to America is partially restricted.

Health Behaviors and Practices

• Traditional healing practices (Yom-Tov et al., 2017).
• I am sticking to the root rites of treatment.
• Free access to medical services.
• We are expanding opportunities through recent reforms.
• The use of national experience.

Both Groups

Comparison and Contrast Analysis

• Most characteristics are common.
• The Mexican heritage is influenced by neighboring cultures.
• The Hispanic identity is unique and recognized (Stroope, Martinez, Eschbach, & Markides, 2015).
• Mexicans often leave their motherland.
• Hispanics prefer to live in communities.

Differential Healthcare Approaches

• The participation of professional specialists is necessary.
• Mexicans should adhere to modern medical practices.
• Facilities for Hispanics should be high.
• Racial and moral distinctions are unacceptable.
• The consideration of cultural identity is required.

References

Alarcón, R. D., Parekh, A., Wainberg, M. L., Duarte, C. S., Araya, R., & Oquendo, M. A. (2016). Hispanic immigrants in the USA: Social and mental health perspectives. The Lancet Psychiatry, 3(9), 860-870. Web.

Bryc, K., Durand, E. Y., Macpherson, J. M., Reich, D., & Mountain, J. L. (2015). The genetic ancestry of African Americans, Latinos, and European Americans across the United States. The American Journal of Human Genetics, 96(1), 37-53. Web.

Solis, G., & Callanan, M. (2016). Evidence against deficit accounts: Conversations about science in Mexican heritage families living in the United States. Mind, Culture, and Activity, 23(3), 212-224. Web.

Stroope, S., Martinez, B. C., Eschbach, K., Peek, M. K., & Markides, K. S. (2015). Neighborhood ethnic composition and problem drinking among older Mexican American men: Results from the Hispanic established populations for the epidemiologic study of the elderly. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 17(4), 1055-1060. Web.

Yom-Tov, E., Strong, W. F., & Strong, L. R. (2017). Hispanic use of alternative medicine as demonstrated in Internet searches. Health Behavior and Policy Review, 4(5), 503-510. Web.