Graduate Program

Clinical Psychology

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Semester of Degree Completion

2003

Thesis Director

Anu Sharma

Abstract

The current study aimed to examine the relationship between presenting problems and treatment outcome among Asian American college students compared to non-Asian students. The present study also provides information about the relationship between treatment outcome and the following types of demographic and treatment related variables: age, gender, ethnic status, year in school, religion, marital status, parents' marital status, referral source, previous counseling, medical problems, and family history of medical, emotional, or substance abuse problems. Data for this study were obtained from an existing database from an East Coast university counseling center. The entire sample consisted of 173 males and 271 females. The primary groups of interest in the current study were Asian American students (n = 63) and Asian International students (n = 28). Students who were presenting for therapy for the first time were required to complete a demographic questionnaire and problem checklist as well as the Behavioral Health Questionnaire (BHQ-14). At every subsequent session, the BHQ-14 was administered to assess client functioning. With respect to severity and presenting issues, non-Asian students expressed less suicidality and had higher initial BHQ means (i.e., better psychological health) than did Asians. Although Asian American and Asian International students did not differ in severity or suicidality, Asian American students expressed greater concerns in four problem areas: academics, feelings of anxiety, problems with a relationship, and depression. With respect to demographic and treatment relevant variables, the most salient results were for class year, religion, and history of family medical, emotional, and substance abuse problems. These results as well as clinical and research implications of the findings are also discussed.

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