Acculturation, Enculturation, Perceived Racism, and Psychological Symptoms Among Asian American College Students

Abstract

This study examined the potential moderating influences of behavioral and values acculturation and enculturation in a sample of 113 Asian Americans. Findings from regression analyses revealed that acculturation to European American cultural values, alone and in interaction with perceived racism, was related to less psychological symptoms, whereas enculturation to Asian American values alone was associated with more psychological symptoms. Findings, which partially supported the authors' hypotheses, are discussed in light of the cultural adaptation literature. Este estudio examinó las potenciales influencias moderadoras de la aculturación y enculturación de comportamiento y valores en una muestra de 113 americanos asiáticos. Los resultados de análisis de regresión revelaron que la aculturación a los valores culturales euro‐americanos, por sí sola y en interacción con el racismo percibido, estaba relacionada con una menor incidencia de síntomas psicológicos, mientras que la enculturación a los valores asiático‐americanos por sí sola estaba relacionada con una mayor incidencia de síntomas psicológicos. Los resultados, que confirmaron parcialmente nuestras hipótesis, se discuten teniendo en cuenta la literatura sobre adaptación cultural.

Challenges and Coping Mechanisms of Whites Committed to Antiracism

“…Over time, a body of literature addressing race‐specific counseling competencies has emerged to correct a history of racially biased diagnosis and treatment decisions and to reduce disparities in access and quality of mental health services for clients of color (Alamilla, Kim, Walker, & Sisson, 2017; Burkard, Knox, Groen, Perez, & Hess, 2006; Cook et al, 2014; Helms, Nicolas, & Green, 2010; Spanierman & Smith, 2017). Specific to training a predominantly White student‐counselor population (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, 2015), educators have suggested the importance of developing White students’ racial identities (Helms, 1995; Malott et al, 2015; Smith & Redington, 2010).…”

Negotiating "cultural" identities: exploration of young Asian women's racialized-gendered experiences and mental well-being

“…Of these, "cultural values" been the most dominant explanation among researchers exploring Asian immigrant and non-immigrant individuals' attitudes towards mental health service utilization (Chen, Kazanjian, & Wong, 2009; Abe- Kim et al, 2007;Fung & Wong, 2007). Others suggest that "traditional" Asian norms and values, which emphasize hierarchy, collectivism, emotional restraint, and obedience, may discourage individuals to seek help for mental health challenges in effort to "save face", avoid being burdensome to others (Alamilla et al, 2017), and minimize the appearance of inadequate family support (Shea & Yeh, 2008). The perceived difference between dominant "Western" approaches and "traditional Asian" values towards mental health illness and treatment perpetuates a dichotomous perspective.…”

“…It is widely acknowledged that women's gender, ethnic, and socioeconomic positioning locate them at various levels of oppression that are upheld and legitimized by dominant institutional structures and power hierarchies (Pyke & Johnson, 2003). Gender also appears to be associated with mental health issues; in particular, women are more likely to internalize mental health symptoms compared to their male counterparts (Alamilla et al, 2017;Ying & Han, 2007).…”

“…Generational status was found to be connected to poor mental health outcomes among Asian populations (Alamilla et al, 2017). Many first generation Asian adults migrate to a new country with an established sense of ethnic identity (Yoon et al, 2017), which may offer some protection from the cumulative negative impact of racial discrimination and stigmatizing experiences on their mental health (Viruell-Fuentes, 2007).…”

“…There is also significant evidence that considers the acculturation/enculturation process as a critical variable in the mental health outcomes and behaviours of Asian individuals and communities. To illustrate, some acculturation researchers suggest that Asian individuals with higher levels of acculturation report less psychological distress (Ruzek et al, 2011), less anxiety, higher self-esteem (Farver, Narang, & Badha, 2002), positive mental health outcomes (Alamilla et al, 2017;Yoon et al, 2017), and are more likely to utilize mental health services (Shea & Yeh, 2008). Additionally, some authors assert that 1.5 and 2.0 generation youth are developmentally susceptible to faster acculturation than their first generation parents.…”