Questioning the myth: Examining factors that impact help-seeking among South Asian Americans

South Asian Americans represent a rapidly growing segment of the United States (U.S.) population. Psychologists are called to better address the needs of minority populations, expanding beyond the traditional Western scope of mental health to incorporate multiculturally sensitive approaches. While researchers have made advancements toward examining the characteristics, lived experiences, and struggles of Asian Americans, few have researched help-seeking behaviors among South Asian Americans. Like many minority groups, South Asians face acculturation conflicts and stress as they adapt to mainstream U.S. culture. They also face the added task of grappling with the model minority stereotype. South Asian Americans cope with minority stress (i.e., racism and discrimination) as well as stigma and shame. The researcher of the proposed investigation aimed to address gaps in the literature by studying the relationship between internalization of the model minority myth, acculturation, life stress, shame, and attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help. The researcher hypothesized that 1) participants with low internalization of the model minority stereotype will express more openness to professional psychological help-seeking, and participants who highly internalize the model minority stereotype will express less openness to professional psychological help-seeking; 2) participants who identify as highly acculturated will express more openness toward professional psychological help-seeking; 3) participants who highly identify with the model minority stereotype will experience high life stress; 4) participants who have high identification with the model minority stereotype will experience more shame; 5) that internalization of the model minority stereotype will moderate the relationship between life stress and professional help seeking; and 6) that internalization of the model minority stereotype will moderate the relationship between shame and professional help seeking. A final sample of 79 South Asian-American participants completed a series of questionnaires. The researcher conducted correlation and regression analyses to explore the relationships between the variables, with the role of internalization of the model minority stereotype as the moderator of the relationship between life stress and professional help seeking, and shame and professional help seeking. Statistical analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between one aspect of the model minority stereotype known as M-Mobility, and shame. The results also revealed significant moderation in the relationships between internalization of the the model minority stereotype, shame, and willingness to seek professional psychological help. This study highlights the compounding nature of shame paired with the model minority stereotype, and future research might build upon this work by further exploring unique qualities of South Asian Americans.