Creating a Shared Definition of Adolescent Mental Health in the Filipino American Community: A Comparative Focus Group Analysis

• Published in: Asian American journal of psychology 2022-03, Vol.13 (1), p.112-128
• Main Authors: Coffey, Dean M., Sepulveda, Aviril (Apple), David, Jed C., Lopez, Horacio G., Bantol, Kamil Evy A., Castro, Jocelyn, Jayme, Ana Jasmine L., Javier, Joyce R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent Health; Asians; Colonialism; Female; Health Care Psychology; Health Care Utilization; Health Disparities; Human; Male; Mental Health; Mental Health Services; Mind; Youth Mental Health
• ISSN: 1948-1985; 1948-1993
• DOI: 10.1037/aap0000240

Despite high rates of mental health disparities, Filipino Americans have low rates of mental health service utilization. This is especially significant for Filipino American adolescents, as research suggests that this demographic is experiencing many serious behavioral health disparities. Underutilization of mental health services may depend on the conceptualization, definition, and expression of psychological distress. Thus, our research team conducted five focus groups (N = 37) to develop a shared community definition of Filipino American adolescent mental health to address this critical issue. We used narrative and content analyses for explicit theory construction to develop the shared definition: "Mental health or peace of mind is a sense of acceptance and balance that comes from having a strong system of friendship and sound family relationships that allow adolescents to be the best they can be. A compassionate community, like a family of extended family, is a source of help where making connections with others leads to open communication within families, friends, and community. Understanding the Filipino American experience in terms of generational, cultural, and immigration level differences as well as how colonial mentality is still affecting Filipino Americans promotes a sense of identity and self-worth within Filipino American adolescents." Anticipated impact on Filipino American behavioral health disparities was discussed. We concluded that future interventions are needed beyond traditional systems of health care. We proposed a new cultural conversation based on kapwa [shared identity] to decrease the stigmatization associated with mental health care and promote peace of mind within Filipino American adolescents.