Leopoldo J. Cabassa

Bio: Leopoldo J. Cabassa is an academic researcher from Washington University in St. Louis. The author has contributed to research in topics: Mental health & Psychological intervention. The author has an hindex of 33, co-authored 97 publications receiving 4268 citations. Previous affiliations of Leopoldo J. Cabassa include University of Washington & University of York.

Measuring Acculturation: Where We Are and Where We Need to Go:

Abstract: Acculturation measures intend to capture the psychological, behavioral, and attitudinal changes that occur when individuals and groups from different cultures come into continuous contact with each other. This article examines the most prominent theoretical models and assumptions that drive acculturation measures. Examples of Hispanic acculturation measures are used to illustrate how these theoretical foundations are applied in empirical measures. Particular emphasis is given to discussing the strengths and limitations of two bidimensional measures, the Bidimensional Acculturation Scale for Hispanics (BAS) and the Acculturation Rating Scale for Mexican Americans-Revised (ARSMA-II). Recommendations for improving these measures are presented. Moving beyond proxy measures, improving the operationalization of acculturation indicators, and incorporating theoretical models, as well as contextual variables, are the key recommendations presented for improving measures of acculturation.

Public Stigma of Mental Illness in the United States: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract: Public stigma is a pervasive barrier that prevents many individuals in the U.S. from engaging in mental health care. This systematic literature review aims to: (1) evaluate methods used to study the public’s stigma toward mental disorders, (2) summarize stigma findings focused on the public’s stigmatizing beliefs and actions and attitudes toward mental health treatment for children and adults with mental illness, and (3) draw recommendations for reducing stigma towards individuals with mental disorders and advance research in this area. Public stigma of mental illness in the U.S. was widespread. Findings can inform interventions to reduce the public’s stigma of mental illness.

Building a model to understand youth service access: the gateway provider model.

Abstract: Enhancing the functioning of parents, teachers, juvenile justice authorities, and other health and mental heal professionals who direct children and adolescents to services is a major mental health services concern. The Gateway Provider Model is an elaborated testable subset of the Network-Episode Model (NEM; B. A. Pescosolido & C. A. Boyer, 1999) that synthesizes it with Decision (D. H. Gustafson, et al., 1999) and organizational theory (C. Glisson, 2002; C. Glisson & L. James, 1992, 2002). The Gateway Provider Model focuses on central influences that affect youth’s access to treatment, i.e., the individual who first identifies a problem and sends a youth to treatment (the “gateway provider”); and the need those individuals have for information on youth problems and relevant potential resources. Preliminary studies by the authors and other applicable studies (D. Carise & O. Gurel, 2003) show that providers’ perception of need, and their knowledge of resources, and their environment are related to the decision to offer or refer to services, supporting key aspects of the Model.

Latino adults' access to mental health care: a review of epidemiological studies.

Abstract: Since the early 1980s, epidemiological studies using state-of-the-art methodologies have documented the unmet mental health needs of Latinos adults in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. This paper reviews 16 articles based on seven epidemiological studies, examines studies methodologies, and summarizes findings about how Latino adults access mental health services. Studies consistently report that, compared to non-Latino Whites, Latinos underutilize mental health services, are less likely to receive guideline congruent care, and rely more often on primary care for services. Structural, economic, psychiatric, and cultural factors influence Latinos’ service access. In spite of the valuable information these studies provide, methodological limitations (e.g., reliance on cross-sectional designs, scarcity of mixed Latino group samples) constrict knowledge about Latinos access to mental health services. Areas for future research and development needed to improve Latinos’ access and quality of mental health care are discussed.

Why Do So Many Latina Teens Attempt Suicide? A Conceptual Model for Research.

Abstract: Rates of suicide attempts among adolescent Latinas have been reported to be higher than for their non-Hispanic counterparts Yet researchers know very little about the attempts, their antecedents, and why the girls attempt suicide Latina girls have been included in research on suicidal adolescents and typically show higher rates of attempts relative to similar psychopathology when compared with other young women A few small studies have focused on Latinas, but none have explored why suicide attempt rates are higher The authors constructed a conceptual model to provide a formulation of this phenomenon on the basis of a review of the literature on suicide attempts among Latinas and their clinical experience This model can serve as a framework to guide research on the unique sociocultural processes present in Latina adolescent suicide attempts and may also benefit the work of clinicians

Purposeful Sampling for Qualitative Data Collection and Analysis in Mixed Method Implementation Research.

Abstract: Purposeful sampling is widely used in qualitative research for the identification and selection of information-rich cases related to the phenomenon of interest. Although there are several different purposeful sampling strategies, criterion sampling appears to be used most commonly in implementation research. However, combining sampling strategies may be more appropriate to the aims of implementation research and more consistent with recent developments in quantitative methods. This paper reviews the principles and practice of purposeful sampling in implementation research, summarizes types and categories of purposeful sampling strategies and provides a set of recommendations for use of single strategy or multistage strategy designs, particularly for state implementation research.

Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care

Abstract: www.mobilehealthmap.org 617‐442‐3200 New research shows that mobile health clinics improve health outcomes for hard to reach populations in cost‐effective and culturally competent ways . A Harvard Medical School study determined that for every dollar invested in a mobile health clinic, the US healthcare system saves $30 on average. Mobile health clinics, which offer a range of services from preventive screenings to asthma treatment, leverage their mobility to treat people in the convenience of their own communities. For example, a mobile health clinic in Baltimore, MD, has documented savings of $3,500 per child seen due to reduced asthma‐related hospitalizations. The estimated 2,000 mobile health clinics across the country are providing similarly cost‐effective access to healthcare for a wide range of populations. Many successful mobile health clinics cite their ability to foster trusting relationships. Qualitative research in such mobile health clinics has found that patients value the informal, familiar environment in a convenient location, with staff who “are easy to talk to,” and that the staff’s “marriage of professional and personal discourses” provides patients the space to disclose information themselves. A communications academic argued that mobile health clinics’ unique use of space is important in facilitating these relationships. Mobile health clinics park in the heart of the community in familiar spaces, like shopping centers or bus stations, which lend themselves to the local community atmosphere.

Applied Linear Regression Models

Abstract: (1991). Applied Linear Regression Models. Journal of Quality Technology: Vol. 23, No. 1, pp. 76-77.