Asian Culture and Mental Health in America: A Deep Dive

This essay, prepared for a Cultural Diversity course (PSYCH 8708) at California Southern University, examines Asian culture within the context of American society. It begins by defining Asian culture and its historical presence in the U.S., focusing on early immigration patterns and cultural influences in areas like art, medicine, and mental health. The essay delves into the family structures prevalent in Asian cultures, emphasizing collectivist mentalities and their implications for treatment plans. It explores how cultural dynamics impact therapists, highlighting the importance of cultural sensitivity and rapport-building. Furthermore, the paper discusses the effects of acculturation on family dynamics and mental health, providing suggestions for family practice that consider cultural differences and the need for culturally informed therapeutic approaches. The essay uses references like Chang et al. (2005), Lee (2005), and others to support its arguments.

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Asian Culture
Nicole Hank
California Southern University
PSYCH 8708; Cultural Diversity
Dr. Trent Nguyen
July 12, 2022

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Asian Culture
Culture has been long divided into two portions; Western and Non-Western. When
looking at Asian culture, it encompses the Non-Western portion. However, in Asian culture, it
does not include every country not covered in the Western portion. In Non-Western Asian
culture, we are looking at Eastern Asia, which includes Japan, China, Thailand, Indonesia, India,
and Korea (Chang et al., 2005). In researching a new culture for knowledge, understanding and
growth, it’s important to look at how that culture is reflected in your current country, the
historical background, family structure for treatment plans, concerns that may impact family
dynamics, implications of cultural dynamics for therapists, and suggestions for practice as a
family therapist.
Asian culture in America
America’s fascination with Asian culture started in the early 1800’s. The earliest
immersion of Asian culture could be found in what was known as the urban class cities, such as
Boston, Philadelphia, and New York. Asian culture was brought to America in the form of art
and placed in museums.
Lee (2005) listed shifts of accumulation in transportation, communication, and the
mobility of capital and labor as globalization in the movement of immigration from Asia to
North America. This huge influx of Asian immigrants; Chinese, Japanese, and Filipinos, took
place in the early nineteenth century. This movement led to growth in products and ideas from
the Asian culture. “The captains of industry and trade built pavilions in the Chinese style in their
formal gardens or constructed Japanese tea gardens where elaborate Oriental-themed parties
were held. Women would also consume the Orient, donning silk kimonos, sticking chopsticks in

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their hair and setting their dining tables with tableware etched with Japanese-themed designs”
(Lee, 2005).
Changes didn’t just happen in art, building structures, cuisine and clothing, but also in the
world of medicine and mental health. Since Asian culture is Non-Westernized, it brings to the
table a different viewsight into the world of psychology. Asian culture encompases a collective
mentality rather than a self concept mentality. In the beginning of Asian-Americans receiving
support in mental health issues, most clinical tests were utilized with caution due to Asian’s
somatzing their symptoms, which at that time was new to understanding in the world of
psychology. Through research, data showed the impact of a collectivist culture on American
psychological understanding. The U.S. adapted to immigration and started building changes in
mental health and society to fit a more diverse culture.
History of Asian Culture
“History of the two earliest groups to arrive in the United States in significant numbers,
were the Chinese and the Japanese” (Ling, 2005, pg. 3). Even though they shared the same
geographical location, once in the United States, they went separate ways economically. The
Chinese Americans went a more urban route whereas the Japanese Americans pursued
opportunities in agriculture. As immigrants, it wasn’t easy try to become accustomed to another
way of life in a very different culture.
Hardships came into play where only a portion of the Asian culture were allowed to
migrate to the United States, but only up to 1924 due to the National Origins Act which barred
all Asians from migrating to the United States. Around 1952, after World War II, as a
partnership with Asia, the McCarran-Walter Act was put in place to allow the re-immigration of

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Asian individuals. After this passed Act, there was a major increase in Asian immigrants. As the
numbers increased, so did the diversity in Asian American culture.
The inclusion of Asian’s into American culture has shown great strides in multiple areas.
“Asian Americans have made impressive educational and economic achievements, with almost
44 percent of Asian Americans having earned a bachelor’s degree” (Ling, 2005, pg. 4). Other
aspects of urban culture actually stem from Asian culture. Such enclaves as “preserving
community, nurturing economic opportunity, and providing protection in an often hostile
country” (Ling, 2005, pg. 4). These changes have influenced daily lives and helped shape
national history.
Family Structure
Asian cultures hold a collectivist mentality rather than individualistic, therefore family is
regarded as an important relationship in their view of health. Non-Western culture supports the
idea that individuals are healthier with less psychological distress when in a marital relationship.
Their view on marriage stems from the idea of increased economic benefits, social integration,
support for maintaining health and an increased emotional support.
Their beliefs also hold true to the impact of parenthood. According to Walton’s (2010)
study on parenthood, there was an increase in psychological benefits for both men and women in
having children in the home (pg. 304). Walton’s (2010) study also found the well-being of
parenthood to be parallel with that of marital status. Another study found that those living alone
had higher rates of hypertension than those living with extended family members, thus showing
the positive effects of their view on a collective society (pg. 304).
Asian cultures also hold a different view on the family process than Americans have.
They have found that cohesive and supportive familial relationships hold a higher emotional

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satisfaction and a decreased level of distress. Views on marriage are also held to the older notion
of men providing and women within the house and raising children. With their culture merging
with American culture, changes in relationship to the workplace have changed with women
entering the workplace. One aspect that has maintained through merging of cultures, is the values
of family and conformity to group mentality.
These views of family structure are important to incorporate into Asian culture treatment
plans. The view of collectivism will play a role in which way their treatment will go. Including
family support and allowing for familial involvement will be huge in treatment support of the
client. It would also be wise to work out treatment plans/ideas with the client to support their
family process by maintaining their familial cohesiveness and relationships.
Impacts on Family Dynamics
Migrating to another country with a different culture will have a huge culture shock for
the individual not to mention an impact on overall well-being. A study done by Yeh found that
there was a great association between acculturation, age, cultural adjustments and generalized
mental health which laid heavy effects on mental health symptoms. Yeh (2003) used an example
of an individual having a difficult time learning to adapt to one’s own identity when placed in
new cultures and surroundings. This could have a major impact on someone trying to find their
“independence because Asian culture prioritizes strong connectedness with family ties” (Yeh,
2003, pg. 42).
In acculturation, it’s important to know that there is the possibility of rejecting one’s own
culture as entering into another culture to fit into society as well as possible cultural separation.
It’s possible that in trying to adapt, the individual’s culture can be separate in local regions;
home vs society life. A study completed by Berry and his colleagues found that “there were

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differences in acculturation strategies among native peoples, ethnic groups, immigrants,
refugees, and so- journers” (Yeh, 2003, pg. 43).
Acculturation affects different Asian cultures. Korean immigrants showed a higher rate of
cultural stress due to increased familial dysfunction due to immigration into another culture.
Koreans also showed a higher rate in humiliation in seeking support for cultural conflicts by
family members due to their view of family connectedness and views on outside familial
support.
Cultural Dynamics for Therapists
In treating individuals with a specific culture or background, it’s important to keep in mind their
cultural dynamics. Most clinicians will start therapy with some form of assessments. Not all
assessments are created equal. Sometimes different strategies are needed for approaches to
assessments based on culture to achieve the most effective outcome in treatment plans.
Zane (2002) explained that it’s important to conceptualize strategies to determine how
clients experience and respond to their interpersonal environment to formulate the most effective
form of treatment. In treatment, it’s important for the clinician to remain up to date on cultures of
their clients to help in reducing cultural bias. In times where there has been neglect or prejudice
from a therapist, it has been due to lack of knowledge or their failure to comprehensively learn
about cultures. One of the first issues that arise in client/therapist relationships, is the lack of
rapport with the client. In order to be successful in treatment, rapport needs to be made with the
client to allow for growth.
It’s important to know that Asian culture is based on social constructs. Therefore, being
social beings, being invested in others or maintaining a social position might be beneficial in
understanding motives of behavior or emotions that arise in psychological needs. Each

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individual’s needs are going to be different as well as their cultural background. Maintaining up
to date knowledge on cultural norms and building a solid relationship with clients will benefit in
their treatment.
Suggestions for Family Practice
Asian American culture is a dynamic group with distinct psychological and behavior
differences compared to other cultures. When it comes to treatment, it’s important to take into
consideration their cultural differences. This Non-Western culture somatizes their feelings,
therefore it is important to know that they will show their feelings through bodily ailments, like
headaches, or body aches. According to Xu (2004), Asian feelings may be disguised as they have
been culturally programmed to not share in psychological feelings. He also explains that due to
their culture being socially collective, they hold higher expectations for others including being
able to detect others emotions or feelings based on their closeness (pg. 152). Therefore, client’s
may not be open to sharing personal psychological issues believing that the clinician will detect
them ahead of time.
Remember that their connectedness will have an impact on their treatment. They are
more likely to self-treat than ask for help. Building that relationship will help the client feel a
social connection and hopefully allow for growth in the client/therapist relationship as well as the
growth in treatment goals.
Conclusion
“As the 2000 Census revealed, Hispanics and Asians are the two fastest growing
racial/ethnic and linguistic groups in the U.S. population. According to the Bureau of Census
projection, minorities as we know them today will become majorities in 2050”(Xu, 2004, pg.

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154). Asian cultures have around 32 ethnic groups and nearly 500 languages and dialects. They
have a multitude of specific health culture as well as cultural background as a collectivist society.
Take into consideration their background, their needs, the impact on their social standing and the
importance of relationships in their treatment plan.

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References
Chang, S. C., Nishizono, M., & Tseng, W. S. (Eds.). (2005). Asian culture and psychotherapy:
Implications for East and West. University of Hawaii Press.
Lee, R. G. (2005). East Main Street: Asian American Popular Culture. NYU Press.
Leong, F. T. (1986). Counseling and psychotherapy with Asian-Americans: Review of the
literature. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 33(2).
Ling, H., & Austin, A. W. (2015). Asian American History and Culture: An Encyclopedia: An
Encyclopedia. Routledge.
Walton, E., & Takeuchi, D. T. (2010). Family structure, family processes, and well-being among
Asian Americans: Considering gender and nativity. Journal of Family Issues, 31(3),
301-332.
Xu, Y. (2004). Working with southeast Asian clients: Suggestions from the field. Home Health
Care Management & Practice, 16(2), 152-155.
Yeh, C. J. (2003). Age, acculturation, cultural adjustment, and mental health symptoms of
Chinese, Korean, and Japanese immigrant youths. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic
Minority
Psychology, 9(1), 34-48.
Zane, N., & Yeh, M. (2002). The use of culturally-based variables in assessment: Studies on loss
of face. In Asian American mental health. Springer, Boston, MA.