School-based mental health prevention for Asian American adolescents: Risk behaviors, protective factors, and service use.

• DOI: 10.1037/a0035300
• Publication Date: 2014-06-23T16:15:10Z
• Authors: Yolanda Anyon; Seow Ling Ong; Kelly Whitaker
• Keywords: Mental health service

This study drew on epidemiological data from a large urban school district to evaluate the implementation of school-based mental health (SBMH) prevention initiative at 15 high schools. The purpose this research was measure prevalence student risk factors and protective by race ethnicity assess engagement Asian youth in services. Results indicated statistically significant racial ethnic group differences (self-reported depressive symptoms, substance use, externalizing behavior school, failing grades, truancy, discrimination adults peers), (school, home, peer assets). Controlling for gender, family structure, behaviors, factors, composition, Black (OR 2.31, p .001), Latino 1.36, .05), multiracial 1.42, .01) students had significantly higher odds using their SBMH program than students. Among subgroups, Cambodian .62, .01), were only that lower accessing services Chinese peers. Findings suggest that, reach underserved American adolescents, programs must address cultural contextual influences adolescent help seeking when outreach enrollment strategies are being developed. Additional field science is needed understand mechanisms driving patterns service use ethnicity.