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Primary Submission Category: Mental health/function
Bridging Generations: Exploring Intergenerations Ideas of Racism, Trauma, and Mental Health in Asian American Families
Authors: Audreana Truong, Jeanelle Daus, Megan Armstrong, Supriya Misra,
Presenting Author: Audreana Truong*
Introduction:
Asian American (AA) mental health is largely affected by experiences of racism and trauma, which only increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. While family can be a place of healing for some, the stigmatization of mental health within many AA communities can contribute to challenges.
Methods:
To explore cross-generational understandings of racism, trauma, and mental health we conducted 13 dyadic interviews (N=26) with AA young adults (18-35 years) and older adult family members. Participants shared baseline definitions of racism, trauma, and mental health, discussed connections, and reflected on generational perspectives. Pre/post-surveys were collected to assess changes in knowledge and comfort about racism, trauma, and mental health.
Results:
Thematic analysis finds that most participants have a basic understanding of racism, trauma, and mental health, but details vary. Racism was openly acknowledged as part of the AA experience, but personal accounts of trauma and mental health struggles were often downplayed in comparison to others. Family roles and cultural expectations influenced generational differences in strategies for coping with and discussing these issues. Although participants emphasized the importance of community connection for healing, they found it difficult to practice. Engaging in intergenerational dialogue in the interviews helped participants feel more comfortable within their families discussing these complex topics. Participants generally had a positive change in their post-survey responses.
Discussion:
Findings reveal a strong capacity for intergenerational care and understanding in willingness to engage in conversation. These findings can inform community-based interventions in diverse AA communities to build trust and increase communication to support cross-generational understanding about racism, trauma, and mental health to increase knowledge and comfort, reduce stigma, and bridge generational gaps within AA families.