Survey focuses on Hispanics and stress

Hispanics engage in healthy behaviors to manage stress, according to the results of a recent American Psychological Association survey.

Hispanics engage in healthy behaviors to manage stress, according to the results of a recent American Psychological Association survey.

Findings show that most Hispanics report spending time with family and friends, and exercising as the two most popular ways to deal with or reduce stress. As a group, they are less likely to rely on unhealthy behaviors, like smoking, than the general population.

However, stress was still cited as a health concern. While there are many causes, Hispanics say stress is most often related to concerns about family health. The general public says work and money are the leading stressors. The survey showed Hispanic women are particularly stressed about the health of family members.

While many Hispanic respondents reported not having access to mental health care, 22 percent say they are open to seeking professional treatment, compared to 15 percent of the general population. Only 41 percent of Hispanics say they have health insurance that carries mental health coverage, compared to 65 percent of Anglos and 63 percent of African Americans.