The dynamic struggle of culture---an exploration of Chinese American identity development, cultural psychology models, and their impact on mental health service utilization in the United States

In recent decades, the profile of global influence has shifted dramatically to highlight China's impact in domestic and foreign affairs. This trend pertains to Chinese American individuals because of the dynamic shifts in immigration patterns and their acculturation to Westernized beliefs. As a result, these changes have influenced both their attitudes toward mental health services as well as practitioners' recognition of this underserved population in treatment. Research has found that the inclusion of Chinese American individuals into mainstream Western society has yet to change their views on mental illness, thereby leading to increased severity of psychological conditions and lack of appropriate treatment. These patterns emphasize the need for practitioners and scholars alike to revolutionize their approach to cultural competency training and to become increasingly aware of social justice issues.;This dissertation explores these pertinent issues by examining three distinct arenas within the format of a critical literature review and applied hypothetical case study. The three key elements include the cultural foundations of mental health among Chinese American individuals, the evolution and applicability of cultural psychology models, and the appropriateness of cultural training for practitioners. The critical literature review will highlight disparities in the research, while the applied case study will introduce a pragmatic component to the discussion and areas of future study.