Model Minority at Risk: Expressed Needs of Mental Health by Asian American Youth

Background: Mental health is a less voiced concern and an unmet need for the Asian American community. This is evidenced by a high suicide rate in Asian American female youths and recent Virginia Tech shooting tragedy. However, they tend not to seek professional help in a timely manner.

Methods: As a part of Asian American Health Action Plan supported by a county government, the University of Maryland Asian American Health Solutions group conducted two focus groups in Asian American youth populations (18-30 years old, mainly 1.5 or 2nd generation) between June and July 2007 in Montgomery County, Maryland. Open-ended questions were used to collect qualitative data. We completed the first focus group in June, with eight youths (five females and three males from Chinese, Indonesian, and Korean communities), and will conduct another diverse focus group in July.

Results: Common sources of stress that affect their mental health include pressure to meet parental expectations of high academic achievement and live up to the “model minority” stereotype; obligations for family caregiving; and balance between two cultures. Young Asian Americans tend not to seek professional help for their mental health problems; instead they use personal support networks—close friends, significant others, and religious community. Participants suggested that cultural influence, which does not consider mental problems important, and stigma attached to it might influence their mental health help seeking behavior.

Discussion: Our findings support a need for culturally appropriate programs to raise awareness of mental health and cultural training for health providers to deliver culturally appropriate care.