Closing the Acculturation Gap

Abstract

As the minority population of the United States grows rapidly, there is an increased need for culturally attentive counseling. East Asian Americans are a particularly large group among U.S. minorities, and their culture is distinct from those of other Asian groups. Their values are rooted in Confucian values and teachings, including the importance of respect, family, emotional restraint, saving face, and others. When these families immigrate to the United States, they face the process of acculturation, which affects members of the family differently, according to generation. East Asian Americans often present in counseling with acculturationrelated conflicts between parents and children. Family counselors can use a Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) approach for family counseling to provide a problem-solving orientation to suit these clients. The theory is adaptable to fit clients' worldviews, and its application can be used in a family-focused way that aligns well with this collectivist culture's way of viewing themselves. A case example and transcripts illustrate the application of SFBT principles and techniques with a Chinese American multigenerational family.

Solution-Focused Body-Mind-Spirit (SF-BMS) Group Therapy for Mental Health and Trauma Symptoms Among Asian American Youth: A Mixed Methods Pilot Evaluation

“…SFBT is an evidence-based practice that employs a deliberate communication style and co-constructive process to highlight clients’ existing strengths, increase the use of coping techniques that are already helping, and build toward the person’s desired future (De Jong & Berg, 2013; de Shazer et al, 1986; Kim et al, 2019). SFBT has demonstrated benefits for internalizing and externalizing behaviors in children and adolescents (Bond et al, 2013; Hsu et al, 2021) and has been used successfully with Asian clients in the United States and China (Cheung & Jahn, 2017; X. Liu et al, 2015).…”

Acculturation Gap

“…This disconnection leads to different mental health problems among the youth. [7] Acculturation gap-distress hypothesis…”