Keywords

South Asian American; youth mental health; acculturative stress; mental health disparities; cultural identity; systematic review

Abstract

South Asian American youth represent a rapidly growing yet understudied population in United States mental health research. Much of the existing literature aggregates diverse Asian American subgroups, obscuring the unique sociocultural experiences of South Asian adolescents and young adults. This thesis examines the risk and protective factors influencing the mental health of South Asian American youth aged 15–25. A systematic review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted using the databases Web of Science, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL Plus with Full Text. Search terms included culturally specific identifiers, migration-related terminology, youth demographic terms, and mental health outcomes. After removing duplicates and applying inclusion criteria, 15 studies were selected for final synthesis using a PRISMA-guided screening process. Findings indicate that several sociocultural stressors contribute to mental health vulnerability among South Asian American youth, including acculturative stress, bicultural identity conflict, stigma surrounding mental illness, and high family and academic expectations. Intergenerational conflict and community pressures related to family reputation also emerged as important risk factors that may discourage help-seeking behaviors. At the same time, culturally rooted protective influences were identified, including strong family cohesion, supportive community networks, religious engagement, and the development of a bicultural identity. These protective factors can promote resilience and emotional stability when supported by open communication and culturally responsive environments. Overall, the literature demonstrates that mental health outcomes among South Asian American youth are shaped by a complex interaction between cultural expectations, structural barriers, and family dynamics. By disaggregating South Asian youth from broader Asian American categories, this research highlights the importance of culturally informed mental health services and prevention strategies. These findings provide insights for clinicians, educators, and policymakers seeking to improve mental health support and culturally responsive care for this population.

Thesis Completion Year

2026

Thesis Completion Semester

Fall

Thesis Chair

Shuang Lu

College

College of Health Professions and Sciences

Thesis Discipline

Psychology

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus Access

None

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

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