Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for a Young Woman of Asian Heritage

Abstract

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is one of the most common anxiety disorders and is associated with significant impairments in academic, occupational, and social functioning. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has shown to be an effective treatment for GAD; however, little research has examined its effectiveness with individuals of Asian heritage. In fact, as a result of limited use of mental health services within the Asian population, there is little psychotherapy research for this population. The present case examined whether a well-established CBT protocol, Mastering Your Anxiety and Worry (MAW), can be tailored in a culturally responsive manner to consider factors and values that influence well-being and functioning. Treatment consisted of 27 sessions over a 6-month period, with outcome data demonstrating a significant decrease in anxiety symptoms at the end of treatment. Results revealed statistically reliable clinical change on the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale–21 (DASS-21) using Western norms and norms for a Chinese sample. This case demonstrates the potential cross-cultural utility of CBT for GAD for individuals of Asian heritage.