Using a cultural and RDoC framework to conceptualize anxiety in Asian Americans

Huiting Liu, Lynne Lieberman, Elizabeth S. Stevens, Randy P. Auerbach, Stewart A Shankman*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Asian Americans are one of the fastest growing minority groups in the United States; however, mental health within this population segment, particularly anxiety disorders, remains significantly understudied. Both the heterogeneity within the Asian American population and the multidimensional nature of anxiety contribute to difficulties in understanding anxiety in this population. The present paper reviewed two sources of heterogeneity within anxiety in Asian Americans: (1) cultural variables and (2) mechanisms or components of anxiety. Specifically, we examined four cultural variables most commonly found in research related to anxiety in Asian Americans: acculturation, loss of face, affect valuation, and individualism-collectivism. We also discussed ways to parse anxiety through a Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework, specifically focusing on sensitivity to acute and potential threat, constructs within the Negative Valence System. Previously unpublished preliminary data were presented to illustrate one way of examining ethnic differences in anxiety using an RDoC framework. Finally, this paper offered recommendations for future work in this area.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)63-69
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Anxiety Disorders
Volume48
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2017

Keywords

  • Anxiety
  • Asian Americans
  • Negative valence constructs

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Using a cultural and RDoC framework to conceptualize anxiety in Asian Americans'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this