Asian American & Pacific Islander Mental Wellbeing
Asian American & Pacific Islander Mental Wellbeing
Asian American & Pacific Islander Mental Wellbeing
Overview
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) often experience difficulty in accessing mental health support due to cultural factors, racial barriers, and a lack of diverse and culturally sensitive resources.
The Challenge
Identify pain points, needs, goals, and mental health-seeking behaviors among AAPI individuals.
The Goal
Synthesize recommendations for the best method to deliver culturally informed mental wellbeing and mental health resources.
Year
June - December 2023
Services
Discovery Research, Mixed Methods, Design Recommendations
Tools
Figma, FigJam, Google Forms, Zoom
Team
Solo
Research
Research
Research
To conceptualize the complexity of the challenge, I chose to conduct my generative research through qualitative and quantitative methods for empathy development. This approach would tell me the why and how of AAPI mental health problems while assessing the value of digital pathways and features for cultural sensitivity.
Preliminary Research Questions
What are the common issues AAPI individuals face in obtaining mental health support?
How do AAPI individuals prefer to communicate about mental health issues?
How do AAPI individuals seek out mental health support?
How does the AAPI community collectively view mental health and mental wellbeing?
Research Methods
Literature analysis
User interviews
Surveys
Competitive analysis
To conceptualize the complexity of the challenge, I chose to conduct my generative research through qualitative and quantitative methods for empathy development. This approach would tell me the why and how of AAPI mental health problems while assessing the value of digital pathways and features for cultural sensitivity.
Preliminary Research Questions
What are the common issues AAPI individuals face in obtaining mental health support?
How do AAPI individuals prefer to communicate about mental health issues?
How do AAPI individuals seek out mental health support?
How does the AAPI community collectively view mental health and mental wellbeing?
Research Methods
Literature analysis
User interviews
Surveys
Competitive analysis
To conceptualize the complexity of the challenge, I chose to conduct my generative research through qualitative and quantitative methods for empathy development. This approach would tell me the why and how of AAPI mental health problems while assessing the value of digital pathways and features for cultural sensitivity.
Preliminary Research Questions
What are the common issues AAPI individuals face in obtaining mental health support?
How do AAPI individuals prefer to communicate about mental health issues?
How do AAPI individuals seek out mental health support?
How does the AAPI community collectively view mental health and mental wellbeing?
Research Methods
Literature analysis
User interviews
Surveys
Competitive analysis
Literature Review
Literature Review
Literature Review
Academic research was my first step in this project. As I work through a niche problem space, I wanted to understand what aspects impact AAPI individuals in obtaining mental health, what types of preventative measures have been trialed, and explore the use of digital tools for this specific user group. This helped clarify what research questions to incorporate and what to evaluate in existing digital tools.
Key Insights
AAPI individuals experience unique cultural and racial barriers that impact help-seeking behaviors.
Cultural aspects can impact how symptoms appear meaning healthcare providers need to be more culturally aware and responsive in their screening/treatment methods.
AAPI individuals are 50% less likely than other racial groups to seek out mental health services.
User Interviews
Over the course of several weeks, I conducted 90-min interview sessions with 9 users via in-person or remotely over Zoom. The sessions were semi-structured and involved questions regarding challenges with mental health, cultural perspectives about mental health, mental models of mental well-being and mental health, and help-seeking behaviors.
Recruitment
Enrollment link shared through social media posts via Reddit, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Discord
Open to different AAPI ethnic groups but must be 18+ years old
Open to different experiences with mental health services or independent self-care practices
Must be located in the US but no limitation on immigration status or English fluency
Over the course of several weeks, I conducted 90-min interview sessions with 9 users via in-person or remotely over Zoom. The sessions were semi-structured and involved questions regarding challenges with mental health, cultural perspectives about mental health, mental models of mental well-being and mental health, and help-seeking behaviors.
Recruitment
Enrollment link shared through social media posts via Reddit, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Discord
Open to different AAPI ethnic groups but must be 18+ years old
Open to different experiences with mental health services or independent self-care practices
Must be located in the US but no limitation on immigration status or English fluency
Over the course of several weeks, I conducted 90-min interview sessions with 9 users via in-person or remotely over Zoom. The sessions were semi-structured and involved questions regarding challenges with mental health, cultural perspectives about mental health, mental models of mental well-being and mental health, and help-seeking behaviors.
Recruitment
Enrollment link shared through social media posts via Reddit, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Discord
Open to different AAPI ethnic groups but must be 18+ years old
Open to different experiences with mental health services or independent self-care practices
Must be located in the US but no limitation on immigration status or English fluency
Surveys
To supplement user interviews, I leveraged a 20-item structured survey to clarify uncertain insights by quantifying what users valued most from a mental health tool and what features would be vital in a culturally inclined platform. Recruitment and exclusion parameters were consistent with interview recruiting.
To supplement user interviews, I leveraged a 20-item structured survey to clarify uncertain insights by quantifying what users valued most from a mental health tool and what features would be vital in a culturally inclined platform. Recruitment and exclusion parameters were consistent with interview recruiting.
To supplement user interviews, I leveraged a 20-item structured survey to clarify uncertain insights by quantifying what users valued most from a mental health tool and what features would be vital in a culturally inclined platform. Recruitment and exclusion parameters were consistent with interview recruiting.
Competitive Analysis
I evaluated websites and apps catering to mental health for AAPI and non-AAPI communities to determine best practices in educational content, self-help features, cultural sensitivity, language use, and mental health focus.
Strengths
Self-assessment features focus on daily mood check-ins, anxiety, depression, sleep, or stress-related assessments.
Digital tools often blend mental wellbeing and health components, with the priority varying based on the platform’s focus.
Considerations
AAPI-specific content and resources are lacking, reflecting the absence of culturally inclusive tools and practices.
These tools lack identifiers or representation for AAPI backgrounds and offer limited educational content, mainly in audio or text-based formats, with minimal supporting evidence.
Co-identities such as age, gender identity, or sexual orientation are not represented in the content though survey results reflected diverse backgrounds from AAPI respondents.
I evaluated websites and apps catering to mental health for AAPI and non-AAPI communities to determine best practices in educational content, self-help features, cultural sensitivity, language use, and mental health focus.
Strengths
Self-assessment features focus on daily mood check-ins, anxiety, depression, sleep, or stress-related assessments.
Digital tools often blend mental wellbeing and health components, with the priority varying based on the platform’s focus.
Considerations
AAPI-specific content and resources are lacking, reflecting the absence of culturally inclusive tools and practices.
These tools lack identifiers or representation for AAPI backgrounds and offer limited educational content, mainly in audio or text-based formats, with minimal supporting evidence.
Co-identities such as age, gender identity, or sexual orientation are not represented in the content though survey results reflected diverse backgrounds from AAPI respondents.
I evaluated websites and apps catering to mental health for AAPI and non-AAPI communities to determine best practices in educational content, self-help features, cultural sensitivity, language use, and mental health focus.
Strengths
Self-assessment features focus on daily mood check-ins, anxiety, depression, sleep, or stress-related assessments.
Digital tools often blend mental wellbeing and health components, with the priority varying based on the platform’s focus.
Considerations
AAPI-specific content and resources are lacking, reflecting the absence of culturally inclusive tools and practices.
These tools lack identifiers or representation for AAPI backgrounds and offer limited educational content, mainly in audio or text-based formats, with minimal supporting evidence.
Co-identities such as age, gender identity, or sexual orientation are not represented in the content though survey results reflected diverse backgrounds from AAPI respondents.
Thematic Analysis
Through thematic analysis, I unveiled several key themes related to mental health experiences, cultural factors, support mechanisms, communication preferences, and potential barriers to digital tools. I used survey questions to clarify unclear areas and refine the insights obtained from user interviews.
What I Discovered
Target User Group
Although I was hoping to create a tool meant for all AAPI age groups, I discovered that generational differences required their own unique set of solutions. As I dove deeper into my analysis, I discovered that I would need to separate the user groups and narrow my scope down to younger generations of AAPI individuals (18-39 years) as this was the more dominant population in my participant pool and my data would better inform design approaches to this demographic.
Major Pain Points
Cultural stigmas strongly influence attitudes towards mental health.
Users seeking professional support struggle with overcoming cultural influences.
Challenges with accessible, diverse, and culturally competent care.
Excessive digital exposure, skepticism towards technology, disinterest, and worries about privacy and security serve as key obstacles to embracing digital solutions.
User Goals
Improving Understanding: Enhance their understanding of mental health issues prevalent in their communities and finding effective ways to address them.
Reducing Stigma: Overcome cultural stigmas and stereotypes surrounding mental health, fostering an environment where discussing mental health is more acceptable.
Accessing Support: Seek support and resources that are culturally competent, understanding, and tailored to their specific backgrounds and experiences.
Finding Effective Communication Channels: Identify suitable communication channels for discussing mental health, whether through family, friends, professionals, or digital platforms.
Enhancing Mental Wellness: Develop strategies for managing stress, improving mental resilience, and gaining a better grasp of mental wellness techniques within their cultural contexts.
Attitudes for Digital Tools
Majority of users preferred to communicate about mental health through online mediums before attempting in-person interactions.
90% of users expressed mental health tools should help create meaningful entry points in mental health education and remove obstacles in seeking professional services.
Users valued content about educational articles about mental health, self-assessment tools, self-help tools, anonymous engagement, culturally relevant content for AAPI experiences, and tools for improving mental wellbeing.
Through thematic analysis, I unveiled several key themes related to mental health experiences, cultural factors, support mechanisms, communication preferences, and potential barriers to digital tools. I used survey questions to clarify unclear areas and refine the insights obtained from user interviews.
What I Discovered
Target User Group
Although I was hoping to create a tool meant for all AAPI age groups, I discovered that generational differences required their own unique set of solutions. As I dove deeper into my analysis, I discovered that I would need to separate the user groups and narrow my scope down to younger generations of AAPI individuals (18-39 years) as this was the more dominant population in my participant pool and my data would better inform design approaches to this demographic.
Major Pain Points
Cultural stigmas strongly influence attitudes towards mental health.
Users seeking professional support struggle with overcoming cultural influences.
Challenges with accessible, diverse, and culturally competent care.
Excessive digital exposure, skepticism towards technology, disinterest, and worries about privacy and security serve as key obstacles to embracing digital solutions.
User Goals
Improving Understanding: Enhance their understanding of mental health issues prevalent in their communities and finding effective ways to address them.
Reducing Stigma: Overcome cultural stigmas and stereotypes surrounding mental health, fostering an environment where discussing mental health is more acceptable.
Accessing Support: Seek support and resources that are culturally competent, understanding, and tailored to their specific backgrounds and experiences.
Finding Effective Communication Channels: Identify suitable communication channels for discussing mental health, whether through family, friends, professionals, or digital platforms.
Enhancing Mental Wellness: Develop strategies for managing stress, improving mental resilience, and gaining a better grasp of mental wellness techniques within their cultural contexts.
Attitudes for Digital Tools
Majority of users preferred to communicate about mental health through online mediums before attempting in-person interactions.
90% of users expressed mental health tools should help create meaningful entry points in mental health education and remove obstacles in seeking professional services.
Users valued content about educational articles about mental health, self-assessment tools, self-help tools, anonymous engagement, culturally relevant content for AAPI experiences, and tools for improving mental wellbeing.
Through thematic analysis, I unveiled several key themes related to mental health experiences, cultural factors, support mechanisms, communication preferences, and potential barriers to digital tools. I used survey questions to clarify unclear areas and refine the insights obtained from user interviews.
What I Discovered
Target User Group
Although I was hoping to create a tool meant for all AAPI age groups, I discovered that generational differences required their own unique set of solutions. As I dove deeper into my analysis, I discovered that I would need to separate the user groups and narrow my scope down to younger generations of AAPI individuals (18-39 years) as this was the more dominant population in my participant pool and my data would better inform design approaches to this demographic.
Major Pain Points
Cultural stigmas strongly influence attitudes towards mental health.
Users seeking professional support struggle with overcoming cultural influences.
Challenges with accessible, diverse, and culturally competent care.
Excessive digital exposure, skepticism towards technology, disinterest, and worries about privacy and security serve as key obstacles to embracing digital solutions.
User Goals
Improving Understanding: Enhance their understanding of mental health issues prevalent in their communities and finding effective ways to address them.
Reducing Stigma: Overcome cultural stigmas and stereotypes surrounding mental health, fostering an environment where discussing mental health is more acceptable.
Accessing Support: Seek support and resources that are culturally competent, understanding, and tailored to their specific backgrounds and experiences.
Finding Effective Communication Channels: Identify suitable communication channels for discussing mental health, whether through family, friends, professionals, or digital platforms.
Enhancing Mental Wellness: Develop strategies for managing stress, improving mental resilience, and gaining a better grasp of mental wellness techniques within their cultural contexts.
Attitudes for Digital Tools
Majority of users preferred to communicate about mental health through online mediums before attempting in-person interactions.
90% of users expressed mental health tools should help create meaningful entry points in mental health education and remove obstacles in seeking professional services.
Users valued content about educational articles about mental health, self-assessment tools, self-help tools, anonymous engagement, culturally relevant content for AAPI experiences, and tools for improving mental wellbeing.
Recommendations
Digital mental health tools should include more inclusive content to better meet users' cultural and racial needs.
Supportive educational articles can help build trust in mental health content shared on these platforms.
Diverse representation among mental health professionals can reduce tension in seeking support.
Options to identify clinicians with experience working with specific racial or cultural backgrounds should be provided.
Anonymity features should be incorporated to allow users to engage with mental health content while protecting their privacy.
Offer culturally tailored content to address stigma and shame related to mental health.
Digital mental health tools should include more inclusive content to better meet users' cultural and racial needs.
Supportive educational articles can help build trust in mental health content shared on these platforms.
Diverse representation among mental health professionals can reduce tension in seeking support.
Options to identify clinicians with experience working with specific racial or cultural backgrounds should be provided.
Anonymity features should be incorporated to allow users to engage with mental health content while protecting their privacy.
Offer culturally tailored content to address stigma and shame related to mental health.
Digital mental health tools should include more inclusive content to better meet users' cultural and racial needs.
Supportive educational articles can help build trust in mental health content shared on these platforms.
Diverse representation among mental health professionals can reduce tension in seeking support.
Options to identify clinicians with experience working with specific racial or cultural backgrounds should be provided.
Anonymity features should be incorporated to allow users to engage with mental health content while protecting their privacy.
Offer culturally tailored content to address stigma and shame related to mental health.
Reflection
As I wrapped up this project I gained insights into the diverse cultural needs of AAPI communities, which can be extended to other backgrounds for a more inclusive user experience. Key lessons learned include:
Cultural sensitivity is a huge thing to tackle. This isn’t just a checkbox but a fundamental aspect that requires a nuanced approach that respects differences in diverse AAPI backgrounds.
The significance of language is beyond mere translation. Language of content needs to resonate both culturally and linguistically to bridge understanding and facilitate engagement.
Stigma and shame around mental health remain significant barriers to overcome for a vulnerable population. Addressing this requires a blend of cultural understanding and destigmatizing efforts all while respecting the privacy and personal space of the user.
Education is empowering and effective in promoting self-awareness and mental health literacy.
As I wrapped up this project I gained insights into the diverse cultural needs of AAPI communities, which can be extended to other backgrounds for a more inclusive user experience. Key lessons learned include:
Cultural sensitivity is a huge thing to tackle. This isn’t just a checkbox but a fundamental aspect that requires a nuanced approach that respects differences in diverse AAPI backgrounds.
The significance of language is beyond mere translation. Language of content needs to resonate both culturally and linguistically to bridge understanding and facilitate engagement.
Stigma and shame around mental health remain significant barriers to overcome for a vulnerable population. Addressing this requires a blend of cultural understanding and destigmatizing efforts all while respecting the privacy and personal space of the user.
Education is empowering and effective in promoting self-awareness and mental health literacy.
As I wrapped up this project I gained insights into the diverse cultural needs of AAPI communities, which can be extended to other backgrounds for a more inclusive user experience. Key lessons learned include:
Cultural sensitivity is a huge thing to tackle. This isn’t just a checkbox but a fundamental aspect that requires a nuanced approach that respects differences in diverse AAPI backgrounds.
The significance of language is beyond mere translation. Language of content needs to resonate both culturally and linguistically to bridge understanding and facilitate engagement.
Stigma and shame around mental health remain significant barriers to overcome for a vulnerable population. Addressing this requires a blend of cultural understanding and destigmatizing efforts all while respecting the privacy and personal space of the user.
Education is empowering and effective in promoting self-awareness and mental health literacy.
Contact
Contact
Contact
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