Engaging South Asian youth and families: A clinical review

Abstract

Objective: South Asians (SAs), a rapidly growing minority group in the United States are underrepresented in mental health research. They represent a unique sub-group of Asian immigrants in that their journey to the United States in the last 50 years was driven by the pursuit of academic and career opportunities. Our goal is to provide a topical overview of factors contributing to the mental health challenges of South Asian American (SAA) youth and to describe culturally sensitive approaches that would provide effective treatment for SAA youth and their families. Methods: We conducted a review of published literature in PubMed and PsycInfo search engines using the key words South Asian immigrants, South Asian Americans, psychological, psychiatric, mental health treatment, therapy and interventions. Results: The challenges faced by these highly educated families are distinctive in that there is a struggle to maintain ethnic identity based on collectivism while embracing American ideals of individualism. These opposing values along with model minority expectations put SAs at high risk for mental health concerns and acculturative family distancing. Furthermore, mental health stigma impedes help-seeking. Mental health practitioners must navigate the different value systems of the parent–child dyad without ostracizing either generation and deliver effective care. Hence, culturally adapted family therapy and community-based approaches may be particularly relevant in SA youth. Conclusion: Our article outlines common family attitudes and issues pertinent to mental health in youth and discusses useful clinical approaches to dealing with SAA youth and their families.

Eliminating racial and ethnic disparities in behavioral healthcare in the United States

“…Patients with higher English proficiency who were born in the USA are more likely to seek care [23]. Asian Americans are also more likely to consult family members before making medical decisions, an important factor to consider when delivering care [11,24].…”

“…Mental illness does not exist in isolation and often arises from interpersonal conflict and/or stress. In addition to the social pressure to meet unreasonable "model minority" expectations, other conditions that AAs report cause them mental illnesses include cultural adaptation and culturally-related parenting values and practices [11]. Specifically, parent-child conflicts within South Asian American families result in mental health challenges [11].…”

“…In addition to the social pressure to meet unreasonable "model minority" expectations, other conditions that AAs report cause them mental illnesses include cultural adaptation and culturally-related parenting values and practices [11]. Specifically, parent-child conflicts within South Asian American families result in mental health challenges [11]. Taking into account acculturation and generational status, families struggle with biculturalism and find difficulty balancing values of Eastern and Western culture and parenting styles [11].…”

“…Specifically, parent-child conflicts within South Asian American families result in mental health challenges [11]. Taking into account acculturation and generational status, families struggle with biculturalism and find difficulty balancing values of Eastern and Western culture and parenting styles [11]. Additionally, mental illness can arise from external factors such as immigration issues.…”

“…Therefore, friends, family members, and colleagues can either encourage or deter an individual from receiving necessary care [13]. In addition, one's social network may cause AAs to delay seeking health services [11,13].…”