In 1966, sociologist William Petersen introduced the term model minority to describe Japanese Americans who, despite historical discrimination and internment during World War II, demonstrated notable socioeconomic achievement. Although the term appeared complimentary, it functioned primarily as a political narrative. It implied that success was attainable through discipline, conformity, and silence, and by extension suggested that other minority groups were responsible for their own marginalization.
Within Asian American communities, this label evolved into a rigid psychological framework. It established success as the baseline expectation and framed struggle as deviation rather than reality. Emotional difficulty, therefore, became not a condition to be addressed but a failure to meet cultural obligation.
Depression, when experienced within this framework, is frequently misinterpreted. Because the model minority narrative emphasizes endurance, self-control, and productivity, the symptoms of depression—fatigue, withdrawal, hopelessness—are often read as personal weakness or lack of discipline rather than as indicators of a medical condition. This results in what can be understood as compounded distress: individuals experience the burden of depression alongside guilt and shame for failing to meet inherited expectations.
The structure of the model minority myth leaves little space for psychological complexity. Success is presented as linear and permanent, and vulnerability is treated as a threat to family identity. When an Asian American student at a prestigious institution experiences depression, the internal conflict often extends beyond personal suffering. The struggle is interpreted as jeopardizing the sacrifices and aspirations of previous generations, transforming an internal health issue into a perceived moral failure.
Addressing this cycle requires intentional dismantling of the narrative itself. This process involves recognizing that the model minority myth was not created to support Asian American communities, but to constrain them. It discouraged dissent, minimized suffering, and reinforced silence under the guise of praise.
Reframing resilience is central to this shift. Resilience does not imply emotional invulnerability or uninterrupted achievement. It reflects the capacity to acknowledge difficulty without shame. By reframing depression as a legitimate psychological condition rather than a cultural failure, families and communities can move toward a model that prioritizes honesty over appearance and well-being over narrative preservation.
Only by separating identity from expectation can Asian Americans begin to replace the model minority myth with a more sustainable framework—one that allows for struggle, complexity, and psychological truth without equating them with failure.
Seek An Individual Therapist at Yellow Chair Collective in Los Angeles or New York
If you are seeking therapy specifically tailored to your needs, consider reaching out to the therapists at Yellow Chair Collective. We understand that there may be unique contextual factors that may influence your experiences.
At our Los Angeles, CA, and New York City, NY-based therapy practice, we have many skilled, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive therapists who can provide an empowering therapeutic experience. For your added convenience and simplicity, we offer online therapy for anyone in the state of California or New York. We know that navigating your mental health journey can be challenging, and we want to support you along the way. Follow the steps below to begin.
- Fill out the contact form to get connected with us.
- Get matched with one of our culturally sensitive therapists.
- Start the next step in your healing journey today.
Other Services at Yellow Chair Collective
There are many options for treatment using online therapy in California and New York, it just depends on what you’re needing. And while we certainly service Asian American folks, we also work with individuals from other cultures, too. So, whether you’re needing support in overcoming anxiety, burnout, trauma, or PTSD, we can help. Likewise, we serve teens and couples in need of support, too. So when you start online therapy with us, you can bring your whole self, including past struggles, cultural impacts, and more.
