ABSTRACT
This article explores the ways East Asian American (EAA) children and adolescents have experienced disparities in the United States throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The history of racism toward Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) and the complexities of acculturation are reflected through this contemporary lens. Traditional East Asian (EA) values were disrupted during this period. Implications for children and families are discussed. Persistent underlying xenophobia and racism, such as the model minority myth or perpetual foreigner stereotype, rose to new prominence, furthering emotional distress in EA and EAA youths beyond those already experienced universally by AAPI families during the pandemic.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Pandemics , Acculturation , Adolescent , Asian/psychology , Child , Humans , Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander , United StatesABSTRACT
This article draws into focus the role of cultural and structural humility in shaping a mental health system that can address the mental health disparities for BIPOC youths. In an era of growing diversity in the United States population and a calling out of racism and discrimination on an interpersonal and systemic level, the commitment to a lifelong engagement of cultural awareness and an openness to reflect and critique, is whereby mutual partnerships between professionals, patients, and clinician themselves can strengthen. This hallmark tenet of cultural humility is actively being adopted into community programs and academic health care institutions as ways to improve the mental health understanding and needs of BIPOC youths.