Asian American and Pacific Islanders Mental Health Issues: A Historical Perspective

PURPOSE OF THE PAPER. This paper reviews literature documenting these complexities and emphasizes the need to adopt a dynamic, multidimensional framework in conceptualizing Asian American ethnic identity and acculturation. In particular, the paper highlights the importance of evaluating the role of intergenerational and sociohistorical influences that can shape and change an individual's acculturative and ethnic identity experiences. SUMMARY OF THE METHODS UTILIZED. The author reviewed the last ten years of literature on Asian American mental health. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS. Mental health professionals recognize the importance of assessing a client's level of acculturation and ethnic identification. However, research findings demonstrate complex relationships among acculturation, ethnic identity, and psychological functioning. CONCLUSIONS. It is proposed that the inclusion of these factors within a multidimensional framework represents a needed step in advancing our understanding of Asian American identity and acculturation. The clinical and research implications of these issues are discussed. RELEVANCE TO ASIAN PACIFIC ISLANDER AMERICAN POPULATIONS. This paper calls attention to the absence of an optimum, mental healthy resolution of ethnic identity formation that can be applied to all Asian Americans and the shared as well as unique qualities of each Asian American. KEY WORDS. Asian American; Pacific Islander; mental health; acculturation.