“Model Minority” Mental Health: An Examination of the Barriers to Effective Care Among Young AAPIs

Abstract

Young Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI) are uniquely vulnerable to a growing burden of mental health challenges. This literature review explores the AAPI cultural factors and beliefs that shape mental health and mental healthcare-seeking behaviors. It discusses the AAPI family hierarchy as a barrier to young AAPIs feeling validated in their mental health experiences as well as how the value of “saving face” can prevent seeking care in order to protect the familial reputation. Through the exploration of the unacceptability of psychological expressions of distress in many AAPI cultures, it examines how the existing Western mental healthcare system is incompatible with other expressions of mental distress such as physical symptoms. This literature review then reviews how discrimination in the form of the model minority stereotype not only causes poor mental health outcomes but also prevents young AAPIs from viewing treatment as a viable or acceptable source of care. Acculturation as a risk factor is discussed by linking acculturative stressors to poor mental health outcomes. To address these issues, this literature review discusses culturally competent mental health care and increased AAPI representation in the mental healthcare workforce as potential solutions or interventions to be implemented to better meet the needs of the target population. While there is currently limited empirical evidence on the efficacy of cultural competency, they have become more commonly identified as an intervention strategy by both practitioners and patients themselves. Finally, increased representation of AAPI people in the mental healthcare workforce may encourage young AAPIs to seek care and view treatment as legitimate sources of support.