Keywords

Pacific Islanders, Polynesians, mental health, mental wellness, interpretative phenomenological analysis

Abstract

Given rising mental health concerns among Pacific Islander (PI) adolescents, this population remains underserved by available mental health resources. This interpretative phenomenological analysis with focus groups (IPA-FG) examined the lived experiences and perceptions of 19 male PI adolescents (ages 14–16) from Native Hawaiian, Maori, Samoan, and Tongan backgrounds regarding mental health help-seeking behaviors. Four overarching themes emerged: stigma and judgment, cultural misalignment in professional services, impact of disclosure and perceived punitive consequences, and a complex ecosystem of trusted relationships as mental health support. Notably, participants expressed belief that disclosing mental health challenges would “ruin their lives” and held misconceptions about adults’ ability to address mental health concerns. These findings are particularly significant given high suicidality rates among PI adolescents. This study provides insights for developing culturally responsive mental health interventions and highlights the urgent need to address mental health stigma within PI communities. Implications for practice are discussed.

Original Publication Citation

Garrett, M., Cutrer-Párraga, E.A., Allen, G.E.K., Young, E., Urbina, K., & Hull, I. (2025). “It would Ruin my life”:Pacific Islander male adolescents’ perceptions of mental health help-seeking interpretative phenomenological analysis focus group study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 22(1), 62. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22010062

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2025-01-04

Publisher

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Language

English

College

David O. McKay School of Education

Department

Counseling Psychology and Special Education

University Standing at Time of Publication

Staff/Researcher

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