Caring for the bicultural family: the Korean-American example

Bicultural families are increasing in US society, and family physicians will see more of these families for medical care. They can exhibit problems unique to their bicultural experience that arise from the stresses caused by cultural differences in such areas as family roles, emotion expression, child rearing, interpersonal relationships, and methods of communication. If coping mechanisms do not resolve these stresses, the family will come to the family physician with physical manifestations of illness or distress. The symptoms are usually related to depression or depressive equivalents. To care for these families successfully, family physicians should treat both family members and the individual patient. When caring for bicultural families, it is important to recognize the high-risk factors that put them at risk for dysfunction. Treatment goals should be centered on communication and education. In short-term counseling, support, education, listening, and referral to appropriate community resources are useful treatment modalities.