tseWEast

Three Layers: Through a combination of online literature and local interviews, my research examines how Asian American racial identity plays a role in the mental health experiences of Asian American students. My research paper breaks down the importance of racial identity and culture in key facets of one’s mental health experiences at an individual, community, and professional level. 

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• Internalized racial identity affects student’s ability and willingness to vocalize their experiences and seek support.

• The generational and cultural gap between Asian American families and mental health resources exacerbates underutilization and misconceptions of mental health in Asian American communities.

• Even when seeking support, the quality of treatment for Asian American individuals is hindered by a lack of culturally competent professionals and representation of Asian American experiences.

 

Face to Face: I conducted interviews with nearly thirty people from the Boston Area. I began by reaching out to Asian American students, teachers, and counselors in my own local community at Newton North High School. I then branched out to initiatives in the Boston Area, including the Harvard Let’s Talk Conference, Wellesley College, Lexington High School, BU AWARE, and the MGH Center for Cross-Cultural Student Emotional Wellness. With each connection and each conversation, I gathered new language and new insights to better vocalize the intersections of racial identity and mental wellbeing. 

 

Bridging the GAP: Explore my CAPS Project. 

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