Abstract
The present study was guided by the Multicultural Assessment Intervention Process (MAIP) model framework, which focuses on systematically embedding cultural issues into the delivery of mental health services. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of ethnic identity, cultural values, acculturation, and perceived discrimination on attitudes toward mental health services among Chinese international students. Based on a convenience sample of 439 Chinese international students currently studying in the United States, four hierarchical multiple regression statistical analyses with three steps for attitudes toward mental health services were used. Also, four one-way between subjects analyses of variance (ANOVA) were utilized examining differences in attitudes toward mental health services among the different acculturation strategies. The results showed that Chinese international students who endorsed greater ethnic identity exploration or commitment, greater heritage or mainstream acculturation, and greater perceived ethnic exclusion were more likely to have more positive attitudes toward mental health services. Higher levels of cultural values, perceived ethnic stigmatization, and perceived threat and harassment was related to more negative attitudes toward mental health services. Lastly, integrated acculturation strategies tended to be associated with the most positive attitudes toward mental health services, while marginalized acculturation strategies were associated with more negative attitudes. Clinical implications and future research are discussed.