A Preliminary Examination of the Cultural Dimensions of Mental Health Beliefs and Help Seeking: Perspectives from Chinese American Youths, Adults, and Service Providers

Abstract

This chapter presents preliminary findings from a study that examines culturally specific beliefs, attitudes, and experiences of mental distress and approaches to treatment among Chinese American families. Specifically, we examine focus group data from Chinese American youths and adults, as well as from social service providers from community-based organizations that serve Chinese American communities. Thematic analysis revealed three central dimensions of mental health and help seeking salient to Chinese American families: (a) cultural understanding of distress, (b) help-seeking approaches, and (c) mental health service use and stigma. We discuss the implications of our findings for future directions for interventions that target Chinese American children and families.