East Asian Population

Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2022 Oct;31(4):745-763. doi: 10.1016/j.chc.2022.05.006.

Abstract

This article explores the ways East Asian American (EAA) children and adolescents have experienced disparities in the United States throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The history of racism toward Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) and the complexities of acculturation are reflected through this contemporary lens. Traditional East Asian (EA) values were disrupted during this period. Implications for children and families are discussed. Persistent underlying xenophobia and racism, such as the model minority myth or perpetual foreigner stereotype, rose to new prominence, furthering emotional distress in EA and EAA youths beyond those already experienced universally by AAPI families during the pandemic.

Keywords: Acculturation; East Asian; Mental health; Model minority myth; Systemic racism.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acculturation
  • Adolescent
  • Asian / psychology
  • COVID-19*
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
  • Pandemics*
  • United States