Investigating resilience to facilitate positive mental health among South Asian minority students in Hong Kong

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe mental health status and possible culturally relevant resilient factors against the development of mental health issues among a total of 405 aged 12–17 South Asian youth (Pakistanis, Indians, Pakistani Hongkongers or Indian Hongkongers) were investigated. Findings of the study show that female participants reported high levels of depression compared to their male counterparts. Based on the hierarchical linear regression analyses, the cultural variations or similarities of resilience were found to facilitate South Asian youth positive mental health in Hong Kong. Indian participants, contextual resilience and Asian values were found to predict low levels of depression (β = .191, p < .05; β = .248, p = .003). Stronger Asian values and higher contextual resilience were found as strong predictors of lower anxiety among Pakistanis, Indian Hongkongers, and Pakistani Hongkongers.