Prof. Hahm’s Expertise on AAPI Mental Health Now Featured in AWARE Online Certificate Offered by the Network for Professional Education
Extensive research by Prof. Hyeouk Chris Hahm from BU School of Social Work (BUSSW) and colleagues has shown that Asian American (AA) women face specific mental health challenges that are often overlooked by practitioners. That research inspired the Asian Women’s Action for Resilience and Empowerment (AWARE) Intervention, an innovative, culturally grounded, holistic group psychotherapy treatment that is designed to treat and prevent mental health problems and health risk behaviors among AA women. AWARE is now the foundation of a new online course developed for social workers, mental health counselors, advisors, and education professionals to support and empower young AA women who are facing these challenges.
“Young AA women are a diverse population who traverse two worlds as they navigate the challenges of young adulthood: mainstream American culture, and their parents’ traditional culture,” says Hahm. “Unlike other treatments available to the public, this certificate program emphasizes family conflicts, disempowering parenting, mental health stigma, and shame as key factors influencing AA mental health and wellbeing.”
While abusive family relationships are not specific to one race, there are some patterns that are more commonly experienced by AA women. “For example, ABCDG (Abusive, Burdening, Culturally Disjointed, Disengaged, Gender Prescriptive) parenting is a predictor for suicidal behaviors among AA women,” Prof. Hahm explains. “Through this intervention, women can develop a sense of empowerment, hope, and coping skills to deal with depression, suicidal ideation, and risky behaviors.” The course also addresses common immigrant AA family dynamics such as high stress, high ambition, low resources, and low support.
In addition, the AWARE online certificate helps practitioners understand their own position in a racist and sexist society. “This self-awareness will better prepare practitioners as they help AA women develop methods for coping with discrimination,” says Hahm.
This self-paced course is completed entirely online through the Network for Professional Education at BUSSW. Participants will engage with videos, reading materials, and more created by Prof. Hahm and Dr. Aileen from BU Student Health Services.
Learn More About Prof. Hahm’s Research