Glossary / Lexicon

Pacific Island Americans refer to Americans whose cultural origins trace back to the Pacific Islands, as in Hawaii and Samoa.

Pacific Island Americans refers to individuals of Pacific Islander descent who reside in the United States. Pacific Islanders are people who have ancestral ties to the Pacific Islands, which includes many different islands and cultures, such as Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and Micronesia.

In psychology, the experiences and mental health of Pacific Island Americans have been studied to better understand the unique challenges faced by this population. Here are some examples:

• Identity and belonging: Pacific Island Americans often face challenges in balancing their cultural identity with American identity. They may feel pressure to assimilate to American culture while also maintaining their cultural roots. This can lead to feelings of isolation or not fully belonging in either culture.

• Mental health disparities: Pacific Island Americans experience mental health disparities compared to other racial and ethnic groups in the United States. For example, rates of suicide, depression, and anxiety are higher among Pacific Islander youth compared to their peers. Limited access to mental health resources and stigma surrounding mental health issues are some of the factors that contribute to these disparities.

• Family and community support: Family and community support are highly valued in Pacific Islander cultures. Close-knit relationships with extended family members and community members can serve as protective factors for mental health. However, these relationships can also contribute to stress and conflict, particularly when there are expectations around filial piety or respect for elders.

• Educational attainment: Educational attainment is a key factor in determining long-term success and well-being. Pacific Islander students often face barriers to academic success, including inadequate access to resources, lack of culturally responsive curriculum, and discrimination.

Overall, studying the experiences of Pacific Island Americans is important for understanding the unique challenges faced by this population and developing culturally sensitive interventions to promote mental health and well-being.