Disability and Identity in English- and Spanish-Speaking Individuals of Mexican Descent

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess disability identity among Spanish- and English-speaking individuals of Mexican descent. This was an online, cross-sectional study with self-report measures. One-hundred thirty-six persons of Mexican descent (i.e., first, second, and third generation) addressed three research questions: (a) What is the relationship between disability identity and specific types of disability factors? (b) Do differences in disability identities exist across gender? (c) Do differences in disability identities exist across household language use? Participants with chronic conditions, assistive devices, and mental health conditions answered no to the disability identity question. More women with chronic conditions, who used assistive devices, or with mental health conditions denied a disability identity compared with men. Individuals from Spanish-speaking households were more likely to report a mental health diagnosis and deny disability identity compared with those from English-speaking households. English-only surveys that use a single disability identity question will undercount Mexican Americans who are more comfortable with or are predominantly speaking Spanish. There are subtle changes in meaning and emphasis from English to Spanish. This may represent the need to increase cultural competence for health professionals, including the level and preference of linguistically appropriate services, and identify the need for translating materials and intervention protocols. Policies related to mental health and disability should be available in Spanish to increase information related to mental illnesses that potentially qualify as a disability.