Breaking the Silence: Applying and Extending the Theory of Situational Support to Understand Mental Health Services Use Among Chinese Immigrants in the United States

Authors

  • Jo-Yun Li University of Miami

Keywords:

the theory of situational support, social stigma, mental health, immigrant health

Abstract

Statistics show that Chinese immigrants are less likely to use mental health services compared with other racial/ethnic groups. By conducting a nationwide survey (N = 421), this study applies the theory of situational support to examine how the 2 primary barriers to mental health service use (i.e., social stigma and normative beliefs) affect Chinese immigrants’ psychosocial responses toward the problem, which may ultimately lead to their behavioral reactions. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.

Author Biography

Jo-Yun Li, University of Miami

Assistant ProfessorDepartment of Strategic CommunicationSchool of CommunicationUniversity of Miami5100 Brunson Drive, Office 3022Coral Gables, FL 33124Office: 305.284.3180 Email: queenie.li@miami.edu

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Published

2020-11-28

Issue

Section

Articles