Explanatory models of major depression and implications for help-seeking among immigrant Chinese-American women.
This study explores the explanatory models of major depression in a group of 40 recently immigrated Chinese-American women, and demonstrates the significant relationship between problem conceptualization and help-seeking behavior. Respondents are presented a vignette depicting major depression, from which they are asked to conceptualize the problem described and answer questions regarding its cause, impact and potential sources for help-seeking. Those who provide a psychological conceptualization are likely not to suggest professional services, but to turn to themselves and family and friends for assistance. On the other hand, those who hold a physical conceptualization are likely to seek out medical services. Implications for effective mental health service delivery to this population are discussed.
Ying
Y W
YW
School of Social Welfare, University of California, Berkeley 94720.
D000069:Acculturation; D000328:Adult; D001213:Asian / Q000523:psychology*; D002681:China / Q000208:ethnology; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D011340:Problem Solving; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012495:San Francisco