UCLA

The present study explores the factors that motivate mental health help-seeking behaviors of second-generation Chinese American young women and their experiences accessing mental healthcare. Four focus groups (of four to five participants) and five individual in-depth interviews were conducted to explore the factors that prevent or promote mental health help-seeking behaviors. Chinese American young women who do not engage in mental health services experience internalized self-stigma along with familial and societal stigma. Participants feel a responsibility to bring up mental health conversations with their immigrant parents and often do not engage with mental health services due to the fear of their parents’ judgment. Mental health conversations are more frequent amongst participants and their peers, whereas conversations are still at a minimum with their immigrant parents. Health insurance is another determining factor of how easily accessible mental health services are to specific individuals. The present study explores the factors that motivate mental health help-seeking behaviors of second-generation Chinese American young women and their experiences accessing mental healthcare. Further research is needed to address mental health stigma, lack of mental health literacy, and ongoing impacts of COVID-19 and increased anti-Asian violence amongst the larger Chinese and Asian American population.