Collectivistic Culture of Vietnamese in Australia and the United States: Implications for Psychotherapy

Abstract

Research related to psychotherapy conducted in Australia and the United States indicates that Southeast Asians are not as receptive to mental health services as their Caucasian counterparts. Prior research has explored underlying factors that result in Asian clients’ reluctance to seek therapy as a viable option to ameliorate their psychological issues. Little is understood regarding whether traditional models of therapy are well suited for Vietnamese clients. In this study, 27 Vietnamese participants over the age of 18 were recruited from Australia and the United States. Using narrative inquiry methodology, participants were invited to discuss Vietnamese attitudes towards psychological distress, how cultural values affect their attitudes towards psychotherapy and its relevance for addressing their personal concerns and psychological problems. Findings from the study related to three main themes: the collectivist perspective of Vietnamese immigrants; the cultural rift between those that maintain traditional values and those that have assimilated to a Western, more individualist perspective; and Vietnamese ideas about psychotherapy. The importance of understanding the collectivistic culture of Vietnamese clients in the context of mental health services is discussed in detail. The mismatch between traditional, individualistic therapy concepts and clients who remain collectively oriented, despite exterior adaptations to Western culture, needs to be recognized. This research challenges the field of psychotherapy to re-examine whether Western therapy adequately fulfills the needs of Vietnamese clients and highlights the importance of collectivist considerations, hierarchical relationships, communications styles, and the cultural rift. Recommendations are made for adapting psychotherapy to better suit Vietnamese clients.