Service Utilization, Self-Efficacy, Positive Attitude and Well-Being Among Asian American Family Caregivers of Persons with Serious Mental Illnesses

Publication Date

8-1-2022

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Community Mental Health Journal

Volume

58

Issue

6

DOI

10.1007/s10597-021-00912-8

First Page

1038

Last Page

1048

Abstract

The well-being of the family caregivers of people with serious mental illnesses (SMIs) is a crucial success factor in the recovery of the afflicted family member. This cross-sectional quantitative study examined the associations between the use of formal mental health services, self-efficacy, and positive attitudes and their effects on the well-being of Asian American family caregivers of people with SMIs. Using convenience and snowball sampling, 116 Asian American family caregivers of people with SMIs in Northern California were recruited for this study. We found that formal mental health service utilization predicted an enhanced sense of self-efficacy. Higher levels of self-efficacy were related to attitudes being more positive, and these positive attitudes contributed to enhanced overall well-being. These findings suggest that mental health professionals should develop culturally competent and tailored services for Asian American family caregivers to support self-efficacy, which is fundamental to maintaining positive attitudes and promoting wellness.

Funding Number

P13-000547

Funding Sponsor

New York Community Trust

Keywords

Asian American, Family caregiver, Positive attitudes, Self-efficacy, Serious mental illnesses, Service utilization, Well-being

Department

Social Work

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