Filipino centered parenting program prioritizes mental health among Filipino youth Dateline united states

The research focuses on AAPI populations, aiming to improve their mental health. AAPI populations have been historically marginalized, and mental health issues have been underreported. This disparity in reporting affects the mental health status of AAPI populations. The researchers have been conducting the study in collaboration with local hospitals and community centers. The primary focus of the study is on improving the mental health of Filipino AAPI individuals. The Incredible Years program is a well-established parenting intervention, originally designed for young children to improve their social, emotional, and behavioral skills. The program has been shown to have a positive impact on children’s lives, enhancing their ability to regulate their emotions and behaviors. However, the researchers aim to expand the program’s reach to Filipino AAPI parents, focusing on the unique challenges they face. The study’s findings have the potential to provide valuable insights into the mental health needs of this population. The researchers believe that the program’s effectiveness can be tailored to meet the specific needs of Filipino AAPI parents, addressing their unique experiences and cultural context. The study’s results could also inform the development of culturally sensitive interventions for other AAPI populations. The researchers have been working with local hospitals and community centers to engage with Filipino AAPI individuals and gather data. They have been conducting interviews, focus groups, and surveys to better understand the mental health concerns and needs of this population. The data collected will help to identify potential barriers to accessing mental health services and inform the development of targeted interventions.

Understanding the Program’s Focus

The Incredible Years program is designed to help parents develop the skills they need to support their children’s social, emotional, and behavioral development.

The Filipino Family Health Initiative

The Filipino Family Health Initiative is a community-based program that aims to improve the health and well-being of Filipino families.

Key Components of the Incredible Years Program

The Incredible Years program is a comprehensive, evidence-based parenting program designed to help parents and caregivers manage challenging behaviors in children. The program is based on the principles of positive reinforcement and social learning theory, which emphasize the importance of reinforcement, social support, and clear communication in shaping behavior. • The program consists of 10 sessions, each lasting approximately 60 minutes, and is designed to be completed over a period of 6-12 months. • The sessions are divided into three main components: Parenting Skills, Child Skills, and Social Skills. • The Parenting Skills component focuses on teaching parents effective communication, problem-solving, and discipline techniques. • The Child Skills component teaches children skills such as self-regulation, self-control, and social skills.

Her parents, though loving, were often preoccupied with work and other responsibilities, leaving Javier to find her own way to express her feelings.

A lack of emotional expression and validation

Difficulty with emotional regulation and self-awareness

Struggles with intimacy and trust in relationships

A tendency to prioritize family obligations over personal needs

The Role of Parenting Style in Shaping Emotional Development

Parenting styles play a significant role in shaping the emotional development of AAPI children. In many Asian cultures, parents often prioritize discipline and obedience over emotional expression and validation. This can lead to a lack of emotional expression and validation in children, making it difficult for them to develop healthy emotional regulation and self-awareness. • Characteristics of authoritarian parenting styles include:

High expectations and pressure to succeed

Emphasis on obedience and compliance

Low emotional expression and validation

Focus on external achievements rather than internal feelings

The Importance of Emotional Expression and Validation

Emotional expression and validation are essential for healthy emotional development and relationships. When children feel seen, heard, and validated, they are more likely to develop emotional regulation and self-awareness.

25% of Filipino youth have attempted suicide.

Mental health stigma and lack of access to mental health services

Poverty and economic instability

Social isolation and lack of social support

Cultural and societal pressures

The Impact of Mental Health Stigma

Mental health stigma is a significant barrier to seeking help for Filipino youth. Many young people feel ashamed or embarrassed about their mental health struggles, leading to a reluctance to seek support. • The stigma surrounding mental health is perpetuated by:

Lack of education and awareness about mental health

Negative media portrayals of mental illness

Fear of being labeled as weak or crazy

The Role of Poverty and Economic Instability

Poverty and economic instability are significant contributors to the high suicide rate among Filipino youth.

The impact of societal factors on mental health is a significant concern, as it can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection from the community.

For instance, a study found that AAPI youth who experienced anti-Asian hate were more likely to develop depression and anxiety than those who did not experience such incidents.The Impact of Societal Factors on AAPI Mental Health

Societal factors play a significant role in shaping the mental health of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) youth.

The program is a collaborative effort between the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley).