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In this study, we investigated how adherence to Asian values, stigma of receiving psychological help, relational-interdependent self-construal, age and gender, for Asian American college and graduate students, singly and in concert predicted attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help. We also examined how stigma mediates the effect of adherence to Asian values on help-seeking attitudes. Correlational and multiple regression analyses determined that lower adherence to Asian values, lower levels of stigma, a higher relational-interdependent self-construal were associated with more positive help-seeking attitudes. Also, female and older students possessed more positive help-seeking attitudes. The mediational model was not significant. We discuss potential barriers to seeking professional help across sociocultural levels. We address implications for research and practice in mental health counseling.
Asian Americans currently constitute approximately 5% of the United States population (13.5 million) and by 2050 this group is projected to make up 10% of the U.S. population (U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2004). Asian international and Asian American students comprise a dramatically growing number of students enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities (U.S. Department of Education, 2004). Asian American students experience many stressors such as intergenerational conflict, negotiating cultural identities, career development, immigration status, and racism related stress. Yet, research findings concerning Asian Americans' attitudes toward the utilization of psychological services have been inconsistent and lacking in relational variables.
Past research has consistently reported that Asian Americans tend to underutilize formal mental health services, prematurely terminate from psychotherapy, and endorse less favorable help-seeking attitudes compared with European Americans (Atkinson, Lowe, & Matthews, 1995; Leong, 1994; Matsuoka, Breaus, & Ryujin, 1997; Sue, Fujino, Hu, Takeuchi, & Zane, 1991). This pattern was found in student (both local and international) as well as adult populations, inpatient and outpatient settings across the United States (Loo, Tong, & True, 1989; Narikiyo & Kameoka, 1992; Snowden & Cheung, 1990). In spite of the "model minority" myth, suggesting that Asian Americans have been successful, function well in society, and have few cultural adjustment difficulties (Sue & Sue, 2003), researchers have identified mental health concerns, adjustment difficulties and a need for mental health services in groups of Asian Americans including local and international students (Leong, Wagner, & Tata, 1995; Yeh & Inose, 2003; Yeh, 2002). The lower rate of help seeking among...