Date of Award

January 2023

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Department

School of Public Health

First Advisor

Sarah R. Lowe

Second Advisor

Eunice Y. Yuen

Abstract

The Asian American community is the fastest-growing racial group in the U.S. (Budiman and Ruiz, 2022), however, mental health research and practice often fail to accurately capture the scope of mental wellbeing across Asian subgroups. Despite shortcomings in the literature on Asian American mental health, researchers have still found concerning mental health outcomes within the community. Key considerations in supporting and understanding Asian American mental health include family harmony and family conflict; many of these communities greatly value family harmony but also are at risk of intergenerational conflict and other stressors within the household. A primary analysis examined the relationship between family structure and family harmony and conflict among Asian American young adults. A secondary analysis investigated mental health outcomes predicted by components of family structure, harmony, and conflict. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 104 Asian American young adults (18-25 years old) through a survey study approved by the Yale University IRB. Methods for data analysis included multivariable linear regressions and a rapid qualitative assessment. This study found that the presence of one or more grandparents during childhood was significantly associated with a higher likelihood and seriousness of family conflict. In addition, the presence of other extended family (excluding grandparents) was significantly associated with lower anxiety symptom severity. Lastly, a higher number of siblings had a significant relationship with greater difficulty with emotional clarity. The study’s findings underscore the importance of family context when considering the health and wellbeing of an Asian American individual. Engaging with the family environment may benefit providers and public health professionals as they work to support their patients and communities.

Comments

This is an Open Access Thesis.

Download
Open Access

This Article is Open Access

Share

COinS