Asian and Pacific Islander cultural values: considerations for health care decision making.
As the United States becomes more ethnically diverse, health care practitioners must learn about the perspectives and values of a variety of cultural groups. Of interest is how these cultural values intersect with those of the dominant culture, especially in the health care arena. This article explores the values that influence decision making among Asian and Pacific Islander cultures, with specific illustrations from six of these cultures. The literature, along with our observations as health professionals and researchers working in Hawaii, suggest potential areas of conflict between the more collectivist values of Asian and Pacific Islander cultures and the more individualist orientation of the U.S. health care system. Implications for practice and research are presented.
McLaughlin
L A
LA
School of Social Work, University of Hawaii, Honolulu 96822, USA. lmclaugh@hawaii.edu
Braun
K L
KL
D032721:Adult Children; D016223:Advance Directives; D001213:Asian / Q000523:psychology*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D032903:Confucianism; D032962:Consent Forms; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D003657:Decision Making; D005190:Family; D006254:Hawaii; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D038622:Internationality; D010139:Pacific Islands; D026706:Paternalism; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000208:ethnology*; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D012072:Religious Philosophies; D012945:Social Values; D012947:Social Work; D014481:United States