The Risk Factors of Poor Mental Health Outcomes in Second-Generation Asian Americans

Abstract

Poor mental health is a prevalent public health issue, especially among Asian American populations. Due to cultural barriers, Asian Americans may not understand the concept of mental health and may underutilize mental health resources. With Asian Americans being the largest and fastest-growing racial group in the United States, mental health research is essential to improving the well-being of future generations of Asian American generations. Having a better understanding of the determinants for poor mental health in Asian American communities is critical for effective public health interventions. This qualitative study examined how cultural and social expectations, gender roles, intergenerational trauma, and evolving attitudes influenced the mental health outcomes of six second-generation Asian Americans, one White American, and one Latinx American. Our findings suggest that Asian Americans have a greater burden to succeed academically compared to their white and Latinx counterparts. Furthermore, our study suggests that gender roles and intergenerational trauma may increase the risk of poor mental health outcomes for cisgender females Asian Americans and Southeast Asian Americans, respectively. Finally, our findings suggest mental health is becoming normalized which would ultimately improve mental health outcomes.