This study involved interviewing students who identified as first or second-generation Asian-American immigrant youth. They shared their perceptions of student mental health services.

Key Perceptions:

- Students showed that they had various amounts of knowledge regarding mental health services.

- Two misconceptions: that school counselors were only there to address academic-related concerns AND that these services were only for people who had severe mental illnesses

- Services were very practical: one student said it may be more practical since they had more time at school, and another noted that providers had more familiarity with school settings.

- Thought that the 'confidentiality' part of services was helpful. One student was relieved and felt like their community would not ask them 'hundreds of questions' and treat them differently. 

- Also felt like schools could tell parents about mental health problems which could lead to perceived stigma from parents. One student imagined their parents saying something to them like 'Why will you think you are depressed'?

School-Based Mental Health for Asian American Immigrant Youth: Perceptions

Research on cultural risk factors investigates how an individual's cultural background, community beliefs, and cultural stigma influence their mental health and their utilization of mental health services. For instance, empirical studies examining immigrant youth highlight how cultural misconceptions about mental health and concerns regarding community confidentiality can significantly impact their perceptions of and engagement with available mental health resources.

Santa Clara University

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1. Cultural Stigma
2. Understanding symptoms
3. Community Support
4. Resources

Four Ways Culture Impacts Mental Health

Intersectionality examines the experiences of people who are experiencing discrimination on the basis of two or more marginalized identities at the same time, and how this differs from experiencing discrimnination on the basis of these identities individually.  Because of this depending on context, we all have areas where we experience privilege, as well as areas of oppression

For example, the stereotypes or preconceived notions held about black women are not merely a combination of those held about black people and those held about women, but a unique intersection of racism and sexism that black women experience differently from either black men or white women.

Intersectionality

1. Mental Health First Aid
2. Understanding Intersectionality in Health Psychology
3. School-Based Mental Health for Asian American Immigrant Youth: Perceptions and Recommendations

Add references as needed.

References for Cultural Risk Factors

Each culture will look at mental health differently.

How Culture Impacts Mental Health: Cultural Stigma

Cultures look at symptoms differently too, which can impact not only if someone chooses to talk about it but also if they recognize what they are going through.

How Culture Impacts Mental Health: Understanding Symptoms

 Stigma in cultures can make someone feel alone when finding support. Someone's family and community will each have their own opinions about mental health support.

How Culture Impacts Mental Health: Community Support.

 It can be hard for minority groups to find someone who understands their needs AND specific cultural factors (see child node about intersectionality).

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