Data Disaggregation for Asian Americans: Where We Are Now.
Mara Xiong1, Lauren Berger2, Lisa Heng Demetrio3
1From Disparities Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA (Ms. Xiong).
Harvard Review of Psychiatry
|March 6, 2026
Summary
Asian Americans face mental health disparities often hidden by aggregated data. Disaggregating data is crucial for understanding diverse ethnic group needs and achieving mental health equity.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Equity
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- Asian Americans are stereotyped as having minimal mental health concerns, a misconception fueled by aggregated data.
- This aggregated data obscures significant variations in mental health experiences among diverse Asian American ethnic groups.
- Current efforts toward mental health equity for Asian Americans are jeopardized by the prevailing political climate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To advocate for data disaggregation within the Asian American population to reveal and address mental health disparities.
- To explore the social contexts and differing mental health outcomes across various Asian American ethnic subgroups.
- To identify barriers to data disaggregation and mental health equity, proposing actionable strategies and acknowledging limitations.
Main Methods:
- Perspective article synthesizing existing research and policy analysis.
- Contextualization of socio-cultural factors influencing mental health across Asian American ethnic groups.
- Review of challenges in data collection and implementation of mental health equity initiatives.
Main Results:
- Aggregated data masks significant mental health disparities among Asian American ethnic groups.
- Socio-cultural experiences vary widely, leading to distinct mental health profiles.
- Obstacles to data disaggregation include methodological, political, and resource-related challenges.
Conclusions:
- Data disaggregation is essential for accurate understanding and targeted interventions for Asian American mental health.
- Addressing mental health disparities requires acknowledging and analyzing ethnic heterogeneity.
- A concerted effort is needed to overcome barriers and advance mental health equity for all Asian Americans.
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