| This doctoral thesis educates mental health professionals on the unique identity of the Filipino people in the Philippine Islands and in the United States. The issues reviewed in the project include the socio-political history of colonialization of the Philippines by Spain and the U.S. as well as the waves of immigration of Filipinos to the United States. It also describes the culture, values, and traditions of the Filipino people, the internal oppression experienced by Filipino Americans (the "colonial mentality") in addition to other forms of racism and discrimination and how they impact Filipino Americans. Furthermore, the project also presents information on a six-stage identity development model that is specific to Filipino Americans. Clinical implications of these identity development factors on this population and their impact on the utilization of mental health services are explored via the critical review of the research literature and clinical input from professionals who are knowledgeable about Filipino American issues. Recommendations for mental health professionals in providing culturally sensitive treatment to this population as well as suggestions for future research are also discussed as a part of the thesis manuscript.;Keywords: Filipino American Identity, Filipino Identity Development, Filipino Discrimination, Filipino History, Filipino Culture, Colonial Mentality, Filipino Psychology. |
