CLINICAL EDITOR’S COMMENTS:
community is remarkably diverse, comprising various languages, cultures, and traditions. This diversity encompasses not only language but also diverse practices, belief systems, and social norms within the AAPI umbrella. Recognizing and respecting this rich diversity is crucial for understanding the intricate nuances within the AAPI community. The application of culturally responsive play therapy practices is vital to address the unique needs of AAPI children and families (Gil & Pfeifer, 2016).
A
It is important to note that this article explores experiences within the U.S. and does not provide a comprehensive global overview of cultural similarities across AAPI communities, each individual or group within this umbrella has distinct needs and experiences.
Understanding cultural values within AAPI communities
Asian Americans encompass individuals from more than 48 countries with roots spanning various Asian regions. This diverse group includes people from East Asia (e.g., China, Japan, Korea), Southeast Asia (e.g., Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines), South Asia a broad spectrum of ethnicities, languages, and cultures within the Asian diaspora residing in the United States.
more than 25,000 islands, including Polynesia, Micronesia, and Island that is part of the 50 U.S. states. Over the years, colonization cultures, there is a solid tie to oral history telling and the use of dance
AAPI children and their families have strong values centered around loyalty, respect, gratitude, spirituality, family, tradition, and honor aspect of many AAPI families, unlike the U.S., which places more vital values on individuality as opposed to collectivism which emphasizes
Culturally responsive play therapy practice and representation in the playroom is critical to understanding and respecting the diverse AAPI community.
s of the 2020 U.S. Census, around 20.6 million people exclusively identify as Asian, Native Hawaiian, or
the needs of collective whole (Kim et al., 2023). According to Kim et al. (2023) Asian American families may focus less on child centered values which emphasize individualism and instead work to instill native cultural values that focus on respect of societal norms, elders, the need to maintain a polite disposition. Many play therapists will come with their assumptions, biases, and values; however, they may differ from those in the AAPI community, which can lead to cultural ruptures or wounding in the playroom (Kao & Landreth, 2013).
AAPI families commonly uphold strong connections to their countries immigration or refugee status (Azhar et al., 2021). These connections serve a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage and traditions and fostering a sense of identity within the context of the immigrant experience. Sustaining these ties to ancestral roots entails ongoing communication, visits, and a steadfast commitment to passing down cultural values and practices to future generations.
Misconceptions and barriers to mental health Historically, the representation of AAPI communities has been limited frequently been portrayed in stereotypical roles, depicted primarily as academic high achievers or the model minority, regrettably cast in negative stereotyped media portrayals as terrorists, savages, or villains. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the AAPI community faced villainization on media platforms, which led to a surge in violence and racism targeting AAPI individuals (Litam, 2020). AAPI individuals have sexual exploitation and misconceptions about personal boundaries. Additionally, the issue of colorism persists within the community, with lighter-skinned AAPI individuals more prominently represented across media platforms, exacerbating disparities in portrayal.
Misconceptions about mental health within the AAPI community stem from cultural norms, stigma, and limited access to mental health services, creating substantial barriers to care. Studies emphasize the importance of culturally competent approaches, destigmatizing
PLAYTHERAPY | 11
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40
