Issues in Counseling South Asian Americans

Abstract

Common chronic health conditions faced by South Asians in the United States and in their countries of origin are chronic degenerative diseases such as coronary heart disease, Type II diabetes mellitus, oral and breast cancers, and comorbid psychological disorders. This chapter focuses on issues in counseling while working with South Asian immigrants and their progeny in the management of chronic diseases, psychoeducation, and adherence to management schedules for chronic diseases. It presents a brief overview of chronic diseases among South Asian immigrants. The chapter review cultural beliefs and assumptions influencing perceptions of illness and cure including spiritual, religious, and Ayurvedic medicine; along with the effect of migration and acculturation. It explores generic South Asian culture to understand general assumptions of the cultural group. The chapter presents psychological implications of chronic diseases and also it presents specific information on enhancing cross cultural communication between health professionals from a Western individualistic culture and South Asian patients with chronic illness to facilitate adherence to treatment regimen. Finally, the chapter ends with specific guidelines for working with South Asian patients with chronic diseases. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)