Understanding Filipino Wellness: Investigating the Effects of Colonial Mentality and Enculturation

Author

Juliene Grace P. Fresnedi, University of San FranciscoFollow

Date of Graduation

Summer 8-2023

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

Program

Clinical Psychology (PsyD)

First Advisor

Michelle Montagno, PhD

Second Advisor

Brent Ferm, PhD

Third Advisor

Hazel Benigno, PsyD

Abstract

Filipino Americans are the third largest Asian American group within the United States and report significantly worse mental health when compared to other population groups. As a result of colonization by both Spain and the United States, Filipino culture has been perceived as a unique blend of cultural influences. Despite there being over 4.1 million Filipinos residing in the US there is a significant lack of research that directly investigates the well-being of this population and to what extent factors such as colonial mentality, enculturation, and generational status have an impact. The present study seeks to address this gap in the literature, by obtaining data that investigates to what extent the three primary variables (well-being, colonial mentality, and enculturation) have a relationship. To determine if colonial mentality and enculturation were significant predictors of well-being, in addition to identifying the nature of each relationship pairing, multiple regression analyses and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were conducted. Secondary analyses were aconducted to identify how specific subscales within the three variables affect each other, and to what extent generational differences can be observed. Results identified colonial mentality as having a negative relationship with well-being, whilst enculturation was found to have a positive relationship with well-being in Filipino Americans across generations. Additionally, generational differences identified the 1.5 generation as having both higher colonial mentality and enculturation scores, but the lowest reported well-being overall. Several subscales were also identified as significant to the relationships observed. Clinical implications for treatment considerations are discussed, and further research recommendations identified to further explore Filipino well-being.

Recommended Citation

Fresnedi, J. P. (2023). Understanding Filipino Wellness: Investigating the Effects of Colonial Mentality and Enculturation. Retrieved from https://repository.usfca.edu/diss/661