Biases and Stereotypes
All Chinese Americans are high-achieving, law-abiding, and academically or financially successful.
This stereotype hides economic struggles, mental health issues, and discrimination that many Chinese American families face. It also pressures children to meet unrealistic standards and discourages families from seeking help for fear of losing “face.”
Which of the following best describes the foundation of traditional Chinese family structure?
Hierarchical relationships guided by Confucian principles
What two colors are significant in Chinese Culture?
100 extra points if you what they symbolize!
RED: happiness, luck, protection
GOLD: wealth, power, and prosperity
Around how many children from China have been adopted into US families?
Tiger Parent” or Strict Parenting
While many parents emphasize discipline and education, parenting styles vary widely. Most parents aim to balance structure with emotional support, though cultural norms often express care through guidance and sacrifice rather than affection.
True or False
Traditional Chinese culture views mental illness primarily as a psychological imbalance rather than a result of spiritual or moral causes.
FALSE
Who is well-respected in the extended family
Elder; grandparents, uncles and aunts
How can build trust & show cultural respect
humility, privacy, and genuine regard for their values
Chinese Americans are seen as “foreigners” regardless of how long their families have lived in the U.S.
Many Chinese Americans are second-, third-, or even fifth-generation citizens. Yet they often face microaggressions like, “Where are you really from?” — reinforcing exclusion and cultural bias.
Describe two major differences between American and Chinese family values according to Jung.
American families emphasize independence and individual rights, while Chinese families value interdependence, filial piety, and obedience to authority.
Family roles of mother, father & children/siblings
FATHER: head of the family — primary decision-maker, authority figure, and provider.
MOTHER: nurturer and household manager
CHILDREN: respect, obedience, and gratitude toward parents and elders
Ways social workers can better assist Chinese-American families?
he Chinese American community is uniform in beliefs, religion, and social behavior.
Here is immense diversity by generation, region, religion, language (Mandarin, Cantonese, Toisanese, Hokkien, etc.), and immigration background. Chinese Americans practice Christianity, Buddhism, Taoism, folk religion, or none at all.
What role does ancestor worship play in traditional Chinese family life?
It reinforces family unity, honors lineage, and maintains spiritual connection with past generations.
What does the phrase “saving face” mean in Chinese culture?
Preserving one’s dignity, respect, and reputation within the community.
Losing face (through public embarrassment or failure) affects both the individual and the entire family’s honor.
No, it can lead to misdiagnosis, poor engagement, or less effective outcomes.
Emotionally Reserved” or “Unfeeling”
Emotional restraint is culturally valued as a way to maintain harmony and avoid shame, not as a lack of feeling. Love is often demonstrated through actions—such as providing for family, cooking, teaching, or supporting education—rather than through open verbal expression.
In Chinese culture, ___________ is often used as a socially acceptable way to express inner emotional conflicts or distress, rather than open discussion.
Somatization (physical symptoms)
n Chinese American families, how is love and affection most often expressed?
Through actions and sacrifice, not necessarily words.
Providing for family, cooking meals, or supporting education are ways love is shown, rather than saying “I love you.”
Name one of the New Model of Therapy for Clinicians by Marshall Jung
1. Confucian principles
2. Family Values
3. Somatization
4. Demographics