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Snow KSR, Merrill K, Macintosh J, Thomas M, Miles L. Mental health literacy in Polynesian Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islanders. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2024; 33:683-692. [PMID: 38071505 DOI: 10.1111/inm.13275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
The high prevalence of mental health problems and underutilization of mental health treatment are more severe among the Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (NHPI) populations and remain misunderstood and understudied. Examining mental health literacy (MHL) - the knowledge and beliefs about mental disorders - aids their recognition, management, or prevention - has been shown to identify barriers to seeking and receiving care. This study aimed to assess the level of MHL in NHPIs and identify associated demographic variables. Data for this cross-sectional study were collected from 298 US NHPIs via an online questionnaire of the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS). The overall mean MHLS score was 121 (SD = 17.3), with statistically significant higher scores in female participants, >31 years old, Tongan, more educated, and with higher income. This study demonstrated that overall MHL is comparable among NHPI compared to the current literature. However, NHPI men ≤30 years old and with lower income had lower MHL, which may be linked to the mental health disparities specific to this population. Current interventions should focus on increasing knowledge of risk factors, causes, self-treatments, and available professional help regarding mental disorders. Efforts to improve the MHL of NHPI should target men ≤30 years with lower income (<$50 000).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Michael Thomas
- Brigham Young University College of Nursing, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Leslie Miles
- Brigham Young University College of Nursing, Provo, UT, USA
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Rajkumar RP. The influence of cultural and religious factors on cross-national variations in the prevalence of chronic back and neck pain: an analysis of data from the global burden of disease 2019 study. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2023; 4:1189432. [PMID: 37305205 PMCID: PMC10248050 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2023.1189432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Low back pain and neck pain are among the most commonly reported forms of chronic pain worldwide, and are associated with significant distress, disability and impairment in quality of life. Though these categories of pain can be analyzed and treated from a biomedical perspective, there is evidence that they are both related to psychological variables such as depression and anxiety. The experience of pain can be significantly influenced by cultural values. For example, cultural beliefs and attitudes can influence the meaning attached to the experience of pain, the responses of others to a sufferer's pain, and the likelihood of seeking medical care for particular symptoms. Likewise, religious beliefs and practices can influence the both experience of pain and the responses to it. These factors have also been associated with variations in the severity of depression and anxiety. Methods In the current study, data on the estimated national prevalence of both low back pain and neck pain, obtained from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD 2019), is analyzed in relation to cross-national variations in cultural values, as measured using Hofstede's model (n =115 countries) and in religious belief and practice, based on the most recent Pew Research Center survey (n = 105 countries). To address possible confounding factors, these analyses were adjusted for variables known to be associated with chronic low back or neck pain, namely smoking, alcohol use, obesity, anxiety, depression and insufficient physical activity. Results It was found that the cultural dimensions of Power Distance and Collectivism were inversely correlated with the prevalence of chronic low back pain, and Uncertainty Avoidance was inversely correlated with the prevalence of chronic neck pain, even after adjustment for potential confounders. Measures of religious affiliation and practice were negatively correlated with the prevalence of both conditions, but these associations were not significant after adjusting for cultural values and confounders. Discussion These results highlight the existence of meaningful cross-cultural variations in the occurrence of common forms of chronic musculoskeletal pain. Psychological and social factors that could account for these variations are reviewed, along with their implications for the holistic management of patients with these disorders.
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Kwan PP, Pike JR, Co DE, Esmundo S, Vaivao DES, May VT, Pang JK, Sabado-Liwag M, Tan NS, Tanjasiri SP, Xie B, Palmer PH. Association Between Stress and Social Support Among Young Adult Pacific Islander Smokers. HAWAI'I JOURNAL OF HEALTH & SOCIAL WELFARE 2023; 82:31-38. [PMID: 36779006 PMCID: PMC9910195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have found high levels of stress among Americans, particularly amongst young adults and ethnic minority groups. The purpose of this secondary data analysis was to explore the association between stress and social support among a sample of 276 young adult smokers of Pacific Islander ancestry, specifically Samoans and Tongans with an average age of 25.3 years. Previous research had documented the protective role of social support on stress, and thus it is hypothesized that young adult Pacific Islander smokers who perceived higher levels of social support will have less perceived stress. Social support was assessed using a 12-item scale which measured participant's perceived social support from family, friends, and significant others. Perceived stress was measured using a 10-item scale with 2 subscales - self efficacy and helplessness. Standardized parameter estimates from structural equation modeling indicated a statistically significant inverse relationship between perceived social support from family and perceived stress related to helplessness. More specifically, young adult Samoans and Tongans who report higher levels of social support from family do not feel as much stress stemming from being helpless. The results highlight the importance of family social support on stress management among this population. Most importantly, these findings add to the limited research around mental health within Pacific Islander (Samoan and Tongan) communities in the US.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Danielle Erika Co
- California State University of Northridge, Northridge, CA (PPK, DEC, SE)
| | - Shenazar Esmundo
- California State University of Northridge, Northridge, CA (PPK, DEC, SE)
| | | | | | | | | | - Nasya S. Tan
- Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, CA (JRP, NST, BX, PHP)
| | | | - Bin Xie
- Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, CA (JRP, NST, BX, PHP)
| | - Paula H. Palmer
- Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, CA (JRP, NST, BX, PHP)
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Allen GEK, Masuda A, Griner D, Beecher M, Cline J, Hee C, Ming M. Examining Expectations Among Polynesian Americans About Seeking Psychotherapy. Am J Psychother 2022; 75:154-160. [PMID: 36018598 DOI: 10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.20210031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Research on culturally diverse clients has investigated expectations about psychotherapy and intention to seek counseling. However, few studies have investigated how these factors may be linked to specific client expectations, such as advice-seeking (the client expecting the therapist to give advice) and audience-seeking (the client expecting to lead the sessions) behaviors, particularly for U.S. racial-ethnic minority populations. METHODS This study used a survey to investigate 593 Polynesian Americans' gender and ethnic preferences for therapists, as well as the mediating effects of advice- and audience-seeking behaviors and their associations with intention to seek counseling and expectations about psychotherapy. RESULTS Results indicated that audience-seeking behavior mediated the association between expectations about the psychotherapy process and intention to seek counseling for psychological and interpersonal concerns and between expectations about psychotherapy outcomes and intention to seek counseling for academic concerns. CONCLUSIONS Culturally competent counseling for Polynesian Americans, a fast-growing yet understudied population in the United States, is needed, particularly by psychotherapists working with these individuals. Expectations about the process of therapy, such as audience-seeking behavior, may be important to consider in working with this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- G E Kawika Allen
- Department of Counseling Psychology and Special Education (Allen, Cline), Department of Counseling and Psychological Services (Griner, Beecher), Department of Marriage and Family Therapy (Hee), and Department of Psychology (Ming), Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah; Department of Psychology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu (Masuda)
| | - Aki Masuda
- Department of Counseling Psychology and Special Education (Allen, Cline), Department of Counseling and Psychological Services (Griner, Beecher), Department of Marriage and Family Therapy (Hee), and Department of Psychology (Ming), Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah; Department of Psychology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu (Masuda)
| | - Derek Griner
- Department of Counseling Psychology and Special Education (Allen, Cline), Department of Counseling and Psychological Services (Griner, Beecher), Department of Marriage and Family Therapy (Hee), and Department of Psychology (Ming), Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah; Department of Psychology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu (Masuda)
| | - Mark Beecher
- Department of Counseling Psychology and Special Education (Allen, Cline), Department of Counseling and Psychological Services (Griner, Beecher), Department of Marriage and Family Therapy (Hee), and Department of Psychology (Ming), Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah; Department of Psychology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu (Masuda)
| | - Jared Cline
- Department of Counseling Psychology and Special Education (Allen, Cline), Department of Counseling and Psychological Services (Griner, Beecher), Department of Marriage and Family Therapy (Hee), and Department of Psychology (Ming), Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah; Department of Psychology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu (Masuda)
| | - Cameron Hee
- Department of Counseling Psychology and Special Education (Allen, Cline), Department of Counseling and Psychological Services (Griner, Beecher), Department of Marriage and Family Therapy (Hee), and Department of Psychology (Ming), Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah; Department of Psychology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu (Masuda)
| | - Mason Ming
- Department of Counseling Psychology and Special Education (Allen, Cline), Department of Counseling and Psychological Services (Griner, Beecher), Department of Marriage and Family Therapy (Hee), and Department of Psychology (Ming), Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah; Department of Psychology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu (Masuda)
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Cutrer-Parraga B, Allen GEK, Conklin H, Hee C, Miller E, Chapman R, Gancinia B, Roan M, Norton A. Culture-Centered Psychotherapy Preferences for Polynesian Americans: An Interpretative Phenomenological Approach. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COUNSELLING 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10447-022-09472-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Cline JI, Larsen RA, Griner D, Beecher ME, Allen GEK, Lee C, Lefrandt JB, Worthen V. Ethnoracial comparisons in anxiety and depression outcomes among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander college students. JOURNAL OF MULTICULTURAL COUNSELING AND DEVELOPMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/jmcd.12254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jared I. Cline
- Department of Counseling Psychology and Special Education Brigham Young University Columbia Missouri USA
| | - Ross A. Larsen
- Department of Counseling Psychology and Special Education Brigham Young University Columbia Missouri USA
| | - Derek Griner
- Department of Counseling Psychology and Special Education Brigham Young University Columbia Missouri USA
| | - Mark E. Beecher
- Department of Counseling Psychology and Special Education Brigham Young University Columbia Missouri USA
| | - G. E. Kawika Allen
- Department of Counseling Psychology and Special Education Brigham Young University Columbia Missouri USA
| | - Chien‐Ti Lee
- Department of Counseling Psychology and Special Education Brigham Young University Columbia Missouri USA
| | - Jason B. Lefrandt
- Department of Counseling Psychology and Special Education Brigham Young University Columbia Missouri USA
| | - Vaughn Worthen
- Department of Counseling Psychology and Special Education Brigham Young University Columbia Missouri USA
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Hee CWH, Banford Witting A, Sandberg JG. Family Adversity and Relationship Quality for Pacific Islanders and the Mediating Role of Coming to Terms, Self-Esteem, and Depression. JOURNAL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY 2021; 47:713-726. [PMID: 32918308 DOI: 10.1111/jmft.12455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the association between family of origin (FOO) adversities and relationship quality for Pacific Islanders as well as the potential intermediary role of coming to terms (CTT), depression, and self-esteem. The sample consisted of 226 self-identified Pacific Islanders who completed the RELATE assessment (see www.relate-institute.org). Results indicated that greater levels of FOO adversity predicted lower levels of CTT. However, higher levels of CTT in turn associated with higher self-esteem, and lower levels of depression. Results also indicated that greater FOO adversity associates with lower relationship quality indirectly. The clinical implications of these findings and directions for future research are discussed.
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Masuda A, Allen GEK, Liu C, Tully EC. The Roles of Self-Concealment and Perceived Racial and Ethnic Discrimination in General Psychological Distress among Racial and Ethnic Minority College Students in the United States. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COUNSELLING 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10447-021-09441-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Hafoka Kanuch O, Smith TB, Griner D, Allen GEK, Beecher ME, Young E. Psychotherapy utilization, presenting concerns, and outcomes among Pacific Islander and Asian American Students. COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY QUARTERLY 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/09515070.2019.1699502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ofa Hafoka Kanuch
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Timothy B. Smith
- Department of Counseling Psychology & Special Education, Brigham Young University, McKay School of Education, Provo,UT, USA
| | - Derek Griner
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - G. E. Kawika Allen
- Department of Counseling Psychology & Special Education, Brigham Young University, McKay School of Education, Provo,UT, USA
| | - Mark E. Beecher
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Ellie Young
- Department of Counseling Psychology & Special Education, Brigham Young University, McKay School of Education, Provo,UT, USA
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Allen GEK, Cox J, Smith TB, Hafoka O, Griner D, Beecher M. Psychotherapy Utilization and Presenting Concerns Among Polynesian American College Students. COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGIST 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/0011000015617534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we examined psychotherapy utilization, presenting concerns, reported distress levels, and psychotherapy outcomes among Polynesian American students presenting for services at a counseling center. We collected data at intake, during therapy sessions, and at termination for 415 Polynesian American and 18,117 European American students over a 17-year period. Polynesian American students were equally likely to utilize counseling services as European American students but were more likely to drop out earlier. At intake, these students reported higher numbers of presenting concerns and greater levels of emotional and psychological distress than European American students. Polynesian American students reported significantly higher scores on racial discrimination, physical abuse, and family dependence. Implications for counseling center programs and services are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jon Cox
- Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | | | - Ofa Hafoka
- Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
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Allen GEK, Kim BSK, Smith TB, Hafoka O. Counseling Attitudes and Stigma Among Polynesian Americans. COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGIST 2015. [DOI: 10.1177/0011000015618762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
There is a paucity of research on the mental health of Pacific Islanders living in the United States, including those of Polynesian descent. This study examined coping strategies, attitudes toward seeking mental health counseling, public and self-stigma toward seeking mental health services, and psychological adjustment among 638 Polynesian Americans. On average, participants held neither favorable nor unfavorable attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help, but men endorsed moderate self-stigma about mental illness and women endorsed high levels of public stigma about mental illness. Women showed relatively more favorable attitudes than men about seeking help from professional mental health providers. Participants reported benefitting more from culturally congruent practices for coping with distress (accepting, reframing, striving, family support, and religiosity/spirituality) than from seeking assistance from private emotional outlets (e.g., therapy) or avoidance and detachment. Mental health professionals need to build cross-cultural bridges and culturally adapt services to address concerns among Polynesian Americans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ofa Hafoka
- Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
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