AbstractsPsychology

A Qualitative Study on Trauma Affecting Asian Americans in the Bay Area

by Pollie Bith-Melander




Institution: California State University – East Bay
Department:
Year: 2016
Keywords: Asian Americans  – California  – San Francisco Bay Area
Posted: 02/05/2017
Record ID: 2129465
Full text PDF: http://hdl.handle.net/10211.3/171849


Abstract

This qualitative study describes trauma affecting the Asian and Pacific Islanders (API) population to provide a deeper understanding of how these different ethnic population groups express symptoms of traumatic events and how these experiences impact their daily living. It examines the historical and cultural context of trauma in order to shed light on how the API population copes with the symptoms of trauma in the U.S. This research used both observational and secondary data for analysis, totaling 28 clients in group observations (18 Cambodians and 10 Chinese) and staff notes for 1029 clients. Out of the 28 observed clients, 17 were male and 11 were female. Key findings seem to suggest that trauma appears to be contagious through a manifestation of symptoms from the past and through intergenerational experience. Findings also seem to suggest that the impact of trauma during migration and post-settlement continues to affect the lives of clients in ways that impair their ability to function daily. Clients in the observational groups expressed ongoing and constant challenges, including language barriers, cultural issues, and lack of support systems. as well as symptoms related to their past experiences of violence. Treatments based on Western modalities seem to be partially effective and need tailoring that is linguistically appropriate and culturally sensitive. This research study has important implications for mental health professionals and others who serve the API population, suggesting that psychological issues should be treated as a part of larger interventions because such issues are often compounded by many factors and challenges. Advisors/Committee Members: Wong, Dr. Rose (advisor), Taylor, Dr. Sarah (primaryAdvisor).