Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Graduate Department of Clinical Psychology

First Advisor

Winston Seegobin, PsyD

Second Advisor

Nahanni Freeman, PhD

Third Advisor

Leihua Edstrom, PhD, ABSNP

Abstract

With depression and suicidality on the rise among Asian Americans and gaps in research for members of Asian culture, it is imperative to examine the factors that may influence mental health outcomes, to help inform clinical considerations. Shame plays a significant role in Asian culture and is an essential component in understanding the mental health of Asian Americans. Self-criticism and self-compassion have also been shown to influence mental health outcomes in Asian populations. This study examined how shame in Asian culture is linked to self-criticism and self-compassion in Asian Americans, and how acculturation can impact these relationships. A total of 103 Asian American adults completed an online questionnaire measuring levels of interpersonal shame, acculturation, self-criticism, and self-compassion. Results showed that interpersonal shame is positively correlated with self-criticism and negatively correlated with self-compassion. Acculturation to the culture of origin did not moderate the relationships between interpersonal shame and self-compassion or interpersonal shame and self-criticism. However, adherence to culture of origin was found to be positively associated with self- compassion and negatively correlated with self-criticism. These findings highlight the benefits of self-compassion in Asian American mental health, the importance of cultural considerations in therapy, and the importance of identifying culturally based strengths to promote well-being.

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