Asians were the fastest-growing racial or ethnic group in the United States from 2000-2019 and currently account for 19.9 million Americans. Asians, particularly East Asian and South Asian Americans are known to be at high risk of prejudice and microaggressions in multiple community settings. South Asians are more likely to report racial discrimination in institutional settings and interpersonal settings than East Asians and White Americans. First coined in 1970 by Dr Chester Pierce for the African American population, the term microaggressions has expanded to include other minority populations. This presentation will examine the existing bias against Asian and South Asian American populations; special focus will be placed on local community members, members of professional organizations, health care workers, and persons with any existing mental health issues. Although the direct impact of anti-Asian hate has been highlighted and exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic, subtle prejudice against Asian and South Asian Americans has always existed. Asian Americans frequently face unique challenges such as the model minority myth and the spokesperson phenomenon; both of these can affect self-esteem and lead to symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health-related sequelae or consequences. Given the continually increasing presence of Asians in the US, it must be considered imperative to educate health care providers of discrimination risks and impacts within the South Asian population. Given the dearth of resources on the mental health impacts of microaggressions specific to South Asians, the presenters will review and extrapolate existing literature regarding the health and mental health effects of microaggressions among minority communities broadly. The prevalence of microaggressions and prejudice among Asians and South Asians may be a social determinant of mental health, as seen in other minority populations. The goal is to increase awareness among mental health providers to help incorporate the effects of microaggressions in assessments and treatment planning for this population, similar to their approach for other vulnerable groups. We will walk through the process of evaluation and assessment of microaggressions against South Asians and explore areas of future research and “clinical assessment.” As a conclusion to the presentation, we would like to facilitate a discussion on solutions.
Format
Recorded webinar, non-interactive, self-paced distance learning activity.
This presentation was recorded at the American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting 2022.
Learning Objectives
- Review evidence-based literature on Asian-American hate, prejudice, and microaggressions.
- Assess the various forms of microaggressions—microinsults, microassaults, and microinvalidations—experienced by South Asian populations living in the United States.
- Demonstrate health and mental health consequences of microaggressions.
- Discuss effective strategies for South Asian communities to overcome prejudice.
Target Audience
Psychiatrists
Estimated Time to Complete
Estimated Duration: 90 minutes
Begin Date: May 1, 2023
End Date: May 1, 2026
Participants who wish to earn AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ may do so after completing all sections of the course including the evaluation. After evaluating the program, course participants will be provided with an opportunity to claim hours of participation and print an official CME certificate (physicians) or certificate of participation (non-physicians) showing the completion date and hours earned.
Continuing Education Credit
In support of improving patient care, the American Psychiatric Association is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
The APA designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Physicians
The APA designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit ™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Faculty and Planner Disclosures
The American Psychiatric Association adheres to the ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Medical Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CME activity — including faculty, planners, reviewers or others — are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (commercial interests). All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.
Program Presenters
- Ranna Parekh, MD. Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests.
- Dhruv Gupta, MD. Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests.
- Karuna Poddar, MD. Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests.
- Manan Shah, MD. Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests.
Program Planners
- Jacqueline Maus Feldman, M.D., Chairperson, Scientific Program Committee, Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests.
- Robert O. Cotes, M.D., Vice-Chairperson, Scientific Program Committee, Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests.
- Uchenna Okeye, M.D., Vice-Chairperson, Scientific Program Committee, Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests.
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Technical Requirements
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