Cultural Diversity and Help-Seeking Behavior

Abstract

Summary Four hundred ninety-four parents were surveyed to determine their attitudes about parenting, help-seeking behavior, and obstacles to accessing help with parenting. Comparisons were made with regard to race/elhnicity, gender, and education to determine what attitudinal similarities and differences exist. Most parents identified family members and friends, as well as print and video materials as important sources of help. Parents were less likely to use social service agencies, teachers, doctors and clergy. The likelihood of attending parenting classes was strongly associated with gender and education. High school graduates were more likely than non-graduates to use parenting classes and mothers were more likely than fathers to use parenting classes. African American parents were less likely than other groups to use print and video materials and African American and Hispanic/Latino parents were less likely to seek help from friends.