Abstract:
This study explores the contours of stigmatisation toward mental health as
experienced by young Asian men in New Zealand, to better understand the realities
that they face and to identify potential elements and strategies that reduce the
impact of stigmatisation and promote help-seeking behaviour.
Asian culture carries an explanatory model towards mental health which differs from
the traditional Western narrative, rejecting individual expressions of weakness and
vulnerability. Mainstream culture carries a specific narrative around what it means to
be a man in society which reinforces the rejection of self-expression in favour of
rigidity and toughness. Young Asian men living in New Zealand are exposed to both
the narratives of their ethnic origin and of mainstream culture. However, it is unclear
as to their current specific realities regarding stigmatisation of mental health.
Through reflexive thematic analysis of the experiences of stigmatisation towards
mental health and its impact on help-seeking by a group of male Asian high school
students, this study presents the complexities that surround such experience and the
challenge to develop strategies that arises from the complexity. It argues that young
Asian men are strongly impacted by ethnic and mainstream cultural narratives
around mental health which hinder their approach toward help-seeking. Parental
influence, external validation, expectations as a man, and narratives from social
media are all significant factors in the development of the current stigma climate.
Normalisation to counter this climate is challenging due to the depth and longevity of
these narratives. However, empathy, authentic openness, validation, and
encouragement are elements that can be enacted upon to empower individuals to
break free from stigmatisation and support one another.