Images
Krista Parker, Ph.D., is a 2025 graduate of the Ph.D. Program in Couple and Family Therapy at Antioch University, New England
Dissertation Committee:
- Denzel Jones, PhD, Chairperson
- Bryson Greaves, PhD, Committee Member
- Abbey Ronquillo, EdD, Committee Member
Dr. Krista Parker
Keywords
bicultural stress, Filipino American, second generation, depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem, mental health
Document Type
Dissertation
Publication Date
2025
Abstract
Research investigating the bicultural and mental health experiences of Filipino Americans, the third largest Asian American group in the United States, are consistently overlooked, with second-generation Filipino Americans (SGFAs) facing greater risk of adverse mental health outcomes. This quantitative study addresses a critical gap in research by examining the relationship between bicultural stress and mental well-being among SGFAs living in the United States. Using a cross-sectional survey design, a multivariate regression analysis examined the relationship between bicultural stress and four mental health constructs (as measured by depression, anxiety, stress, and self-esteem) among 302 SGFA participants. Results from this study strongly supported all five hypotheses, indicating that bicultural stress significantly predicts adverse mental health outcomes among SGFAs. Overall, SGFA participants experiencing higher levels of bicultural stress were more likely to report elevated symptoms of anxiety, general stress, depression, and lower levels of self-esteem. By examining the bicultural and mental health experiences of SGFAs, this study provides evidence-based insights to inform culturally responsive care for a subgroup that are seeking therapy at higher rates than their first-generation counterparts. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://www.ohiolink.edu/etd).
Recommended Citation
Parker, K. (2025). Examining the Relationship Between Bicultural Stress and Mental Well-Being Among Second-Generation Filipino Americans Living in the United States. https://aura.antioch.edu/etds/1201
Included in
Asian American Studies Commons, Counseling Psychology Commons, Counselor Education Commons, Marriage and Family Therapy and Counseling Commons, Multicultural Psychology Commons
Comments
ORCID No.: 0009-0007-5570-7467
Bio:
Dr. Krista Parker is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California and an AAMFT Approved Supervisor. As a second-generation Filipina American woman and first-generation doctoral graduate, she integrates her bicultural background, personal experiences, and theory into her clinical work and research. She owns and operates a virtual private practice serving clients across California, specializing in grief and loss, complex trauma, anxiety, relationships, and BIPOC/AAPI mental health.
Dr. Parker’s current research interests include Filipino American mental health, culturally responsive care, grief and loss in historically marginalized community, intergenerational conflict and trauma, immigrant family dynamics, and acculturation, particularly bicultural stress. Guided by a social justice lens, she is committed to fostering inclusive, culturally responsive practices in Couple and Family Therapy and the broader mental health field.