Psychoeducational Interventions with Southeast Asian Students

Abstract

School personnel are confronting the challenge of serving an increasing number of students from Southeast Asian backgrounds. We have formulated an ecological approach in order to serve these students sensitively and effectively. The approach begins by understanding the student's socio-cultural context, including socioeconomic status, the impact of acculturation on the student and his/her family, and the “Catch 22” situation (when less acculturated, these students have difficulty in school and society; when more acculturated, they have conflicts at home) that immigrant children are experiencing. A case study illustrates how a school psychologist applied this ecological approach in practice.