Impact of Machismo and Marianismo Culture on Mexican American Mental Health

Mexican American cultures are often characterized by the practice of machismo and marianismo. The work of Barrera and Longoria identifies machismo as a belief among Latinos that they should be accorded respect through submission by their wives and children. To these experts, machismo is defined by the assumption of physical strength, masculinity, sexual attractiveness, aggression, and the ability to consume large amounts of alcohol without becoming inebriated. According to Lara-Cinisomo et al., machismo is the main cause of marianismo among Mexican women. A woman’s expectation to be submissive, sentimental, shy, compliant, and virgin until marriage is known as marianismo among Latinos. This document focuses on exploring the impact of machismo and marianismo culture on Mexican American mental health. The findings of this study are essential in informing strategies of mitigating mental health problems among Latinx families and youth. Machismo and marianismo Culture is negatively impacting Mexican mental health because of its capacity to cause negative cognitive emotions such as depression, anxiety, cynical hostility, and anger. With the numbers of depression rising this is a topic that should be taken seriously.

As previously mentioned, the machismo and marianismo Culture are significantly impacting Mexican American Health. This school of thought is further confirmed by the work of Nuñez et al. In a recent study conducted by these scholars to investigate the relationship between negative cognitive-emotional factors and the culture of machismo and marianismo among the Hispanic Community, a positive correlation was established. After controlling for sociodemographic factors, the results of this study revealed that particular aspects of machismo and marianismo were related to higher levels of negative emotions and cognitions. The findings of Lara-Cinisomo et al. suggest that marianismo culture significantly contributes to depression among Mexican American women. According to these scholars, there is an overwhelming expectation on women to submit and sacrifice themselves in service of men: a major contributor to the depression trend.

Although extensive studies have been carried out to understand the negative components of machismo and marianismo culture among Mexican Americans, currently, there are limited studies that focus on the positive components of this culture. As a result, there is a gap in understanding the overall impact of machismo and marianismo culture in relation to mental health. The holistic view will provide a comprehensive understanding that will inform mental health interventions. Consequently, this will enhance the effectiveness of interventions by capitalizing on the positive aspect of the marianismo and machismo culture while addressing the negative components of the same culture.

Theoretical Background

Based on the previously discussed sources, the work of Nuñez et al. and Lara-Cinisomo et al., the main theory utilized in establishing the correlation between the culture of Mexican Americans and mental health issues is the grounded theory. According to the opinion of Chun Tie et al., the grounded theory is a research method that is designed to generate theories based on data that has been systematically collected and analyzed. These authors believe that the method is essential in uncovering the social relationships and behaviors of certain groups. Since the correlations are established based on data analysis and not mere assumptions, its outcomes are likely to be a true reflection of existing relationships. Consequently, the use of this theory by Nuñez et al. and Lara-Cinisomo et al. validates the findings of these researchers. In order to conclude that machismo and marianismo culture causes negative cognitive-emotional factors, the respective researchers carried out a sampling of the group and conducted interviews that were designed in collecting relevant data. Afterward, the data was analyzed to determine the relationship between the Mexican American culture and mental health issues.

Conclusion

As previously stated, there is enough evidence to link machismo and marianismo culture to mental health issues among Mexican Americans. However, existing studies only focus on the negative components of machismo and marianismo. There are limited studies that approach this subject both from both the negative and positive components of the culture. As a result, the overall influence of this culture on Mexican Americans’ mental health is poorly understood. Addressing this gap in knowledge will provide a comprehensive understanding that will inform mental health interventions thus increasing the effectiveness of tackling mental health issues, depression and anxiety, among this group of Americans.

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