Effects of mental health interventions with Asian Americans: A review and meta-analysis.

Abstract

Objective: Evidence demonstrating treatment efficacy for ethnic minorities has grown in recent years; however, Asian Americans (i.e., of East Asian or Southeast Asian heritage) are mostly excluded from recent reviews. In this review we (a) synthesize the literature on mental health treatment effects for Asian Americans and (b) evaluate support for competing theoretical perspectives on cultural tailoring. Method: A literature search supplemented with other search strategies identified 21 randomized trials of mental health interventions for Asian Americans (n = 6,377 total participants). The meta-analysis was based on random-effects models. Results: Overall, results show that posttreatment effects were relatively large and significant (d = .75, SE = .14, p = .000). However, there was substantial heterogeneity across studies (ES range = −.04 to 2.61), with moderator analyses indicating that effects differed significantly by target problem, diagnostic status, and comparison group. Also, specificity of cultural tailoring was significantly associated with treatment outcomes, with treatments tailored specifically for Asian subgroups (e.g., Chinese Americans) showing the largest effects (d = 1.10), and those with no cultural tailoring or non-Asian tailoring (d = .25) showing the smallest effects. Conclusions: Findings suggest that mental health treatments are efficacious for Asian Americans and that cultural tailoring can enhance treatment outcomes. In general, these findings lend support to the cultural responsiveness hypothesis, although caveats are noted. Implications for psychotherapy research with Asian Americans are discussed, as well as methodological and conceptual challenges.

An international systematic review of dementia caregiving interventions for Chinese families

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“…Specifically, research suggest that some individuals from Asian backgrounds note that both guidance and exercises/practice are valuable components of the intervention (Chen & Davenport, 2005; Hays & Iwamasa, 2019; Ng & James, 2013). Although a recent meta-analysis reviewed the effects of CBT interventions with Asian Americans (Huey & Tilley, 2018), only one study included in the quantitative analysis included an anxiety disorder, a specific phobia (Pan, Huey, & Hernandez, 2011). This important review, however, outlined culturally tailoring approaches for mental health interventions for Asian Americans.…”

“…This important review, however, outlined culturally tailoring approaches for mental health interventions for Asian Americans. Approaches included addressing cultural norms and values, including culturally appropriate interventions, and adopting a direct style that is consistent with the hierarchical relationship valued in Asian cultures (Huey & Tilley, 2018).…”

“…Meili learned CBT skills to navigate challenging social situations and was provided a safe space to practice newfound skills without judgment. Using Huey & Tilley's (2018) framework for tailoring therapy mental health interventions for Asian American, Meili's treatment plan included culturally adapted exposures, visualizations, and culturally mindful therapy worksheets. It is important for researchers and clinicians to understand the primary reasons for avoidance of psychotherapy in individuals from Asian populations (Ma Xin et al, 2009).…”