Date of Graduation
5-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Degree Level
Undergraduate
Department
Psychological Science
Advisor/Mentor
Quetsch, Lauren B.
Committee Member
Veilleux, Jennifer C.
Second Committee Member
Becker, Brian M.
Abstract
Background: Filipinos carry a unique culture that is deeply rooted in ideas of family, community, religion, and honor. When Filipinos immigrated to the United States, these values followed and have organically passed down through generations. Studies have explored how Filipino Americans feel about the healthcare system and how Southeast Asians perceive mental health conditions, such as autism. Current research lacks how Filipino culture has impacted Filipino Americans’ perceptions of autism and their help-seeking behaviors if their child were to receive an autism diagnosis. Methods: Participants were asked questions about their cultural values, presented with a vignette depicting an autistic child and then asked about their course of action seeking help for their child. Results: Outcomes showed differences across generations for acculturation and religiosity but little differences for help-seeking and confidence in contacting a medical professional. Outcomes showed a significant correlation between participants’ acculturation level and religiosity level as well as between participants’ help-seeking behavior and confidence in contacting a medical professional. No significant differences were found in confidence levels between participants with and without past familial mental health diagnoses. Conclusions: Filipino Americans have a deeply rooted belief that the healthcare system is untrustworthy, and natural methods are thus seen as more favorable. Future studies should work to understand what Filipino Americans need to feel more comfortable with seeking out help for their child if given an autism diagnosis.
Keywords: Filipino Americans, autism, acculturation, religiosity, help-seeking behavior, medical mistrust
Keywords
Filipino Americans; autism; acculturation; religiosity; help-seeking behavior; medical mistrust
Citation
Menon, S. (2025). Filipino American Cultural Beliefs, Perceptions of Autism, and Help-Seeking Behaviors. Psychological Science Undergraduate Honors Theses Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/psycuht/69
