An integrative framework of family processes to predict East Asian American youth’s mental health problems

Abstract

ABSTRACT No existing conceptual framework can describe the family precursors and dynamics that explain East Asian American (EAA) youth’s mental health problems in their cultural context. To address this conceptual gap and better elucidate EAA youth’s mental health issues, we present a conceptual framework that combines two existing theories: the triadic model of family process and acculturation gap-distress theory. We selected these two theories because they address youth mental health problems as a common outcome explained by family domains and complement each other by addressing certain processes in more depth. Using a cultural lens that allows researchers to reconstruct assumptions of theory in specific cultural contexts, the presented integrative framework of family processes identifies how universal and East Asian-specific aspects of familial factors influence the mental health problems of EAA youth. This framework is intended to guide future research efforts on EAA youth development and provide preliminary guidelines for social workers working with EAA families to provide culturally responsive care and services.