Yu, E. A., Chang, E. C., Yang, H., & Yu, T. (2016). Positive psychology assessment in Asian Americans. In E. C. Chang, C. A. Downey, J. K. Hirsch, & N. J. Lin (Eds.), Cultural, racial, and ethnic psychology book series. Positive psychology in racial and ethnic groups: Theory, research, and practice (pp. 131-149). Washington, DC, US: American Psychological Association.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/14799-007
Asian Americans—who number about 14.6 million and constitute approximately 4% of the U.S. population—are a cultural group that continues to grow rapidly (Humes, Jones, & Ramirez, 2011). It is important to build on the limited literature on psychological problems in this group (Chang, 2012; Chang & Kwon, 2014) and to acknowledge and assess the many positive psychological strengths demonstrated by Asian Americans. Despite facing stressors such as acculturation and discrimination in American society (Alvarez, Juang, & Liang, 2006), Asian Americans have shown incredible signs of resilience in the face of adversity (Pan & Chan, 2007; Yee, DeBaryshe, Yuen, Kim, & McCubbin, 2007). According to Yee et al. (2007), resilience is the ability to achieve positive outcomes despite challenging situations by drawing upon resources (e.g., social support, family traditions). In this chapter, we focus on the identification and assessment of a number of positive affective, behavioral, and cognitive variables that contribute to resiliency in Asian Americans. We address a number of universal positive strengths and pay special attention to indigenous strengths that have emerged through centuries of rich cultural heritage (e.g., philosophies, values). Given the collectivistic culture prevalent in most, if not all, Asian societies, we identify Asian positive strengths not only at the individual level but also at the familial and interpersonal levels. We also identify useful assessment tools for examining the positive psychological strengths of Asian Americans. However, it is important to note the need for further development of effective assessment measures for use in the Asian American population; thus, we conclude the chapter with a discussion of possible future directions for this area. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)