Premium
Psychological assessment with Chinese Americans: Concerns and recommendations
Author(s) -
Zhou Zhiqing,
Cavazos Melina,
SohnMcCormick Anita
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
psychology in the schools
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.738
H-Index - 75
eISSN - 1520-6807
pISSN - 0033-3085
DOI - 10.1002/pits.22162
Subject(s) - acculturation , psychology , chinese americans , mental health , limited english proficiency , cultural competence , stigma (botany) , racism , population , cultural diversity , clinical psychology , medical education , social psychology , pedagogy , ethnic group , medicine , psychiatry , sociology , health care , gender studies , environmental health , anthropology , economics , economic growth
Asian Americans are the fastest growing population in the United States, with Chinese Americans accounting for the largest percentage. In response to this growth, mental health examiners should be culturally competent of the Asian culture, including Chinese culture, as to ensure ethically appropriate and accurate assessment of these individuals. In the current paper, we discussed several critical components of Chinese American clients' social experience, including their language and education attainment, and their stress related to discrimination, racism, and acculturation. We also provided descriptions of specific cultural concerns that should be taken into consideration when assessing Chinese American clients, such as the stigma associated with seeking mental health services, parenting styles and parental involvement in education. In addition, we attempted to bring several practical issues to practitioners' attention; for example, the importance of assessing language proficiency and level of acculturation, the limited availability to appropriately normed psychoeducational assessments, and the different communication style of Chinese American clients. To address these issues, various recommendations were provided, though additional research is needed to create better opportunities and ethical practice for the assessment of Chinese American clients.