Mental health misconceptions among at-risk populations: The case of hotel workers

Abstract

Introduction

Most hotel workers represent disadvantaged populations in the United States. Socioecological stress-related factors increase the risk for poor mental health outcomes, yet accounts of worker perceptions of mental health are scarce.

Methods

We conducted five focus groups among 23 hotel room cleaners and individual interviews with six hotel managers.

Results

Four themes emerged: Mental health is related to mental illness, mental health is associated with being crazy, mental health can be controlled, and mental health is taboo yet universal.

Conclusion

These findings indicate mental health is poorly understood among this population. Education and tailored interventions are needed to address adverse mental health outcomes.