Strengthening intersecting identities of diverse AAPIs through and post COVID-19: Guidelines for psychological practitioners.

Abstract

This article offers guidelines for psychological practitioners on ways to best support the well-being of Asian American/Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) through the COVID-19 global pandemic. The article argues that strengthening the connection with their intersecting identities is essential to the well-being of diverse AAPIs, especially given three interconnected and added strains: anti-Asian rhetoric and ensuing violence, invisible and intensified structural inequalities, and exacerbated mental health disparity. To facilitate AAPIs ongoing development and connection with their intersecting identities, three complementary theoretical approaches are introduced as the foundation of practice guidelines offered. The approaches include a culturally affirming developmental approach that fosters growth and resilience consistent with AAPIs identities;a multicultural feminist approach that promotes, empowers, and advocates for AAPIs by acknowledging structural power differentials within multiple interlocking systems of oppression;and a social justice-oriented psychoanalytic approach that recognizes structural impacts and offers attentive listening to the voices of AAPIs whose experiences are otherwise unheard. To support AAPIs through and beyond the pandemic, psychological practitioners must familiarize themselves with identity development theories relevant to AAPIs, participate in social advocacy by acknowledging and affirming differences within and external to AAPI communities, and expand on one's ability to listen for the diverse experiences that are unspoken, unheard, or uncomfortable to digest embedded in the oppressive structure. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved) Impact Statement Strengthening Asian American/Pacific Islanders (AAPIs') connection with intersecting identities is key to AAPIs collective well-being given the three added and interconnected strains (i.e., intensified anti-Asian rhetoric, structural inequality, and mental health disparity) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Practitioners should incorporate advocacy, recognize power differentials, and engage in depthful listening when helping AAPIs develop toward an increasingly mature and nuanced connection with their intersecting identities, which contribute to resilience and healing. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)