Exploring Latinidad in Behavior Analysis
Behavior analysis plays a crucial role in shaping mental and behavioral health services. However, cultural nuances can significantly impact how interventions are designed and delivered. Understanding Latinidad—the shared cultural identity and values of Latino communities—is essential to providing effective, culturally responsive care.
A recent study by Corina Jimenez‑Gomez, Sarah Lechago, and Denice Rios explores the demographics and cultural values of Latino behavior analysts in the United States. Their findings provide valuable insights into representation, professional roles, and how cultural identity influences practice.
Latino Representation in Behavior Analysis
Latinos make up a significant portion of the U.S. population, yet their representation in higher levels of behavior analysis remains uneven:
- 18.9% of the U.S. population identifies as Latino, while 21.39% of the behavior analysis workforce is Latino.
- Most Latino professionals are concentrated in lower certification levels, such as Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs).
- There is less representation at advanced levels, such as Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Board Certified Behavior Analysts-Doctoral (BCBA-Ds).
Increasing Latino professionals in leadership positions is vital to reducing health disparities and ensuring services are delivered in culturally relevant ways.
Cultural Values and Their Influence on Behavior Analysis
Culture shapes how behavior analysts interact with colleagues, supervisees, clients, and families. This study examined several key cultural values among Latino behavior analysts and how these values may influence their work.
1. Familismo: Family Loyalty and Support
Familismo refers to a strong sense of loyalty, responsibility, and interdependence within the family. The survey found:
- Most respondents agreed that helping their family financially and emotionally is a priority.
- Many participants expressed that family obligations often influence career and education decisions.
- Familismo can impact how Latino behavior analysts collaborate with families when developing treatment plans.
Understanding this value can help practitioners create interventions that consider family involvement and decision-making.
2. Traditional Gender Roles: Marianismo & Machismo
Historically, Latino cultures have been shaped by traditional gender roles:
- Marianismo emphasizes women’s nurturing, self-sacrificing, and home-oriented roles.
- Machismo reinforces the idea that men should be dominant, emotionless leaders.
However, the study found that over 60% of respondents disagreed with these traditional gender roles. This shift is significant for:
- Leadership and mentorship within behavior analysis—more Latino women are taking on leadership roles.
- Work-life balance—Latino behavior analysts may challenge traditional expectations in their personal and professional lives.
- Supervision dynamics—understanding these evolving views can help supervisors foster inclusivity.
3. Spirituality and Religion in Professional Practice
Religion has traditionally played an important role in Latino culture. However, the survey revealed a shift in beliefs among Latino behavior analysts:
- More than 50% of respondents disagreed that religion is central to their identity.
- While some practitioners still value spirituality, many do not adhere strictly to religious practices.
- This is important when working with Latino clients who may have strong religious beliefs—behavior analysts should be sensitive to their views while maintaining professional boundaries.
Survey Methodology & Participant Demographics
Survey Method
The researchers conducted an online survey via Qualtrics, distributing it across:
- Social media platforms
- Professional behavior analysis groups
- Behavior analysis listservs
Participants were given two weeks to complete the survey, with reminders sent at regular intervals.
Who Participated?
A total of 86 respondents completed the survey, with notable trends:
- Majority were under 45 years old, indicating a younger generation of Latino behavior analysts.
- 85% identified as women, showing a strong female representation in the field.
- Participants represented diverse Latino communities, including Mexican, Puerto Rican, and Cuban backgrounds.
Implications for Behavior Analysts
This study highlights the importance of recognizing cultural values when working with both Latino professionals and clients. Key takeaways for behavior analysts include:
- Incorporating Family in Treatment Plans – Given the strong emphasis on family, behavior analysts should consider family dynamics when designing interventions.
- Encouraging Leadership Development – More efforts are needed to mentor Latino behavior analysts into supervisory and leadership roles.
- Acknowledging Cultural Differences – Practitioners should be aware of changing attitudes toward gender roles and religion to provide culturally responsive services.
Final Thoughts
Latino behavior analysts play a crucial role in shaping the future of culturally competent behavioral services. By understanding how values like familismo, gender roles, and spirituality influence professional practice, the field can move toward greater inclusivity and representation.
For a deeper dive into these findings, refer to the full study by Jimenez‑Gomez, Lechago, and Rios: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-024-00914-4.
