Dissertations and Theses
Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Lan Doan
Second Advisor
Vivien Tartter
Third Advisor
Sophia Barrett
Keywords
Southeast Asian American, depression, anxiety, adverse childhood experiences, outness, LGBTQIA+
Abstract
The current study examines the prevalence of and relationship between mental health outcomes (depressive symptoms, anxiety) and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among a sample of Southeast Asian Americans (age: M = 26.6, SD = 4.0) who self-identified as sexual and gender minorities (e.g., gay, lesbian, bisexual, nonbinary, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual and plus [LGBTQIA+]) (n = 41). Our national online survey was co-developed with a partnering community-based organization (CBO), Mekong NYC, and was disseminated through Southeast Asian American and/or LGBTQIA+ serving CBOs, university-affiliated organizations, and relevant affinity groups.
Results indicate that participants in our sample who identified as female, non-binary, bisexual, 30-34 years old, Vietnamese, and income range $50,000-$74,999 had the highest prevalence of both moderate to moderately severe anxiety and depression. Overall, 68.4% of participants reported experiencing at least mild depressive symptoms in the past two weeks and 97.5% reported experiencing at least minimal anxiety symptoms in the past two weeks. Similarly, participants who were female, nonbinary, bisexual, and 24-29 years old reported the highest prevalence of three or more ACEs. A majority of participants (89.5%) reported experiencing at least one ACE with 44.7% experiencing three or more ACEs. By ACE category, the majority of participants reported ACEs of Household Dysfunction (83.3%), Psychological Abuse (65.8%), and Physical Abuse (39.5%). Overall, 64.1% of this sample reported low to moderate levels of outness about sexual orientation (M = 3.2, SD = 1.3). Participants indicated the highest levels of support for sexual orientation from Siblings (M = 4.6, SD = 2.3), New Straight Friends (M = 4.5, SD = 2.3) and Old Heterosexual Friends (M = 4.4, SD = 2.1); participants reported the least outness and support in the Religion subcategory (M = 1.4, SD = 0.8).
These findings suggest depression, general anxiety, and adverse childhood experiences of household dysfunction, psychological abuse, and physical abuse are prevalent mental health concerns within the Southeast Asian American LGBTQIA+ population. While the study had a small sample and results are not generalizable to other populations, these findings provide a greater and more nuanced understanding of mental health for this population.
Recommended Citation
Phoummavong, Phetsamone P., "The Mental Health of Southeast Asian American LGBTQIA+ Adults" (2024). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/cc_etds_theses/1177