Cross-Cultural Approaches to Mental Health Challenges Among Students

Hillary Clinton described Asian Americans as “among the most prosperous, well-educated, and successful ethnic groups in America.” This seemingly positive stereotype of the “model minority,” frequently promoted by the popular media, may in fact serve to obscure significant challenges faced by this population, particularly with regard to mental health. Issues such as depression and suicidality among Asian American and Asian international students in the United States have become increasingly recognized as major problems at both the high school and university levels, driven by a range of cross-cultural, psychological, familial, and systemic factors. In this chapter, we focus on depression in Asian American and Asian international students as one example of the unique mental health challenges faced by diverse populations in the United States. After outlining the background and context for the chapter, the available literature regarding prevalence of depression in Asian American and Asian international students is summarized. Next, contributing factors and correlates of depression in Asian American and Asian international students are reviewed. Finally, the founding of the MGH Center for Cross-Cultural Student Emotional Wellness is described as one innovative approach to tackling these complex challenges. Clinical recommendations based on the experience of the Center are offered to help foster greater cultural awareness when working with members of these populations.