15.6 AAPI Youths: Guiding Families Toward Positive Identities and Self-Care Through Culturally Sensitive Curriculum, Provider Reflections, and Youth Process Groups

Abstract

Although individual Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) youths have unique developmental experiences based on specific cultural and family considerations, the commonality of discrimination based upon generalized stereotypes is universal and has lasting impacts. Child and adolescent psychiatrists are well positioned to support AAPI youths. However, providers may be unfamiliar with culturally sensitive approaches. As such, we are providing recommendations synthesized from expert curriculum, provider reflections, and youth reports. Expert recommendations for practical approaches to engage AAPI communities were consolidated from a novel AAPI curriculum for child and adolescent psychiatrist trainees implemented in 2020. Examples of successful practices to empower AAPI communities were also identified from a single-session AAPI child and adolescent psychiatrists process group held during March of 2021. Finally, summary material from informal monthly discussion groups for AAPI college students were reviewed to identify the priorities of AAPI youths. Synthesized recommendations were cross-referenced against currently available literature and transformed into infographic material providing concise guidelines for child and adolescent psychiatrists. Five expert lectures were included for review, along with summary material from a single-session AAPI child and adolescent psychiatrists process group (n = 20 participants) and 2 monthly AAPI youth support groups (n = 10 participants per session; 16 sessions to date since October 2020). AAPI child and adolescent psychiatrists identified the need for provider self-assessment of implicit biases as first steps toward engaging AAPI in a culturally sensitive approach. For youths, supports may include validating acculturative stress and building pride in cultural identity. For families, supports may include fostering pride in cultural heritage and encouraging caregivers to provide reassurance. For educators, supports may include implementations of culturally focused curricula and safe reporting mechanisms. And for community leaders, supports may include implementations of microinterventions and promotion of allyship. Child and adolescent psychiatrists are well positioned to support AAPI when equipped with cultural humility and awareness of cultural needs. With proactive engagement and allyship, child and adolescent psychiatrists may improve the well-being of AAPI youths through validation of experiences and empowerment of positive identity development.