Stigmatizing Beliefs About Depression in Diverse Ethnic Groups of Asian Americans

Focusing on diverse ethnic groups of Asian Americans, the present study examined the prevalence, ethnic variations, and predictors of stigmatizing beliefs about depression (beliefs that associate depression with a sign of weakness, shame to the whole family, and family disappointment, and beliefs that antidepressant medicines are addictive). Data were drawn from 2609 participants (age range 18–98) in the 2015 Asian American Quality of Life survey that includes Chinese, Asian Indian, Korean, Vietnamese, Filipinos, and other Asians. Results of a series of logistic models indicated that age, gender, ethnicity, length of stay in the U.S., English proficiency, and acculturation were significantly associated with stigmatizing beliefs about depression. Ethnic variations in beliefs were also observed. Implications for research and practice are discussed.