Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Guidance and Counselling

Publication Date

2004

Volume

19

Issue

4

First Page

158

Last Page

162

Keywords

COUNSELING, ASIANS HELP-seeking behavior, PROBLEM solving, ACCULTURATION, APPLIED psychology, PSYCHOTHERAPY

Abstract

This article uses the case of Asians to highlight the collectivistic elements inherent in Asian help-seeking patterns, problem-solving styles, and stress-coping responses. It then offers recommendations for specific counseling strategies that complement Asians' collectivistic orientation. It should be noted that although generalized observations are made about Asians for heuristic purposes, these generalizations must be considered in the context of diverse countries of origin, ethnic identity, acculturation levels, generation statuses, and migration statuses among individuals belonging to different Asian subgroups. The intrapsychic and interpersonal focuses of counseling and psychotherapy are often at odds with the relational and group-oriented values central to indigenous Asian help-seeking patterns, problem-solving styles, and coping responses. The consequences of this value clash are evident in the perennial problems of underutilizing mental health services and high counseling dropout rates among Asian clients. recent developments in cross-cultural research regarding collectivistic/individualistic worldviews and interdependent/independent self-construals have provided valuable insights into the relationship between these cultural constructs and counseling and psychological processes.

Comments

This article was first published in Guidance and Counselling. (http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=17218591&site=ehost-live)

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