In Their Own Words: The Well-Being of Second-Generation Vietnamese American Young Adults

After the Southeast Asian Wars, the U.S. faced a significant influx of refugees, particularly from Vietnam. While much research has focused on the mental health of adult refugees, little is known about the well-being of Second-generation Vietnamese American (SGVA) young adults born in the U.S. This group faces unique challenges navigating the transition to adulthood amid conflicting cultural values—Vietnamese collectivism and American individualism—which can strain parent-child relationships and impact mental health. Language barriers and cultural differences often hinder immigrant parents from connecting with their children, negatively affecting the family. Despite the vital role of parental relationships during this stage, the perceived impact of family relationships on the mental health of SGVA young adults remains underexplored. Additionally, limited research exists on the barriers or support systems influencing SGVA’s access to mental health services when such care is needed. To address these gaps, this study aims to examine SGVA young adults’ perspectives on 1) their upbringing and their relationships with parents, and 2) what helps them navigate life challenges during this transitional age.

This cross-sectional exploratory qualitative study used purposive and snowball sampling methods to recruit SGVA aged between 18 and 25, born in America to parents who migrated from Vietnam. Seventeen SGVA young adults living in California participated in the virtual, in-depth, semi-structured individual interviews lasting about one hour. On average, participants were 23.6 years old (SD=1.95), and about half were females (n=9). Approximately two-thirds of participants (n=11) graduated from a 4-year college or are currently enrolled. About 71% of the participants work part-time or full-time in various occupations ranging from the tech industry to healthcare settings.

Using the thematic analysis process, this study identified four overarching themes with 11 subthemes. Four main themes are: 1) Indirect negative impact of parent’s immigration history on their well-being; 2) Generational gaps and intercultural conflict between parents and children; 3) Evolving toward positive relationships with parents through understanding their lives; and 4) Embracing a variety of coping strategies. Among 11 subthemes, several key ones are highlighted here. In terms of the perceived relationships between SGVA young adults and their families on their mental health, the most frequently reported subtheme is “Storytelling of Immigration Trauma from Parent to Child”. This reflects the unique traumatic experiences of Vietnamese immigrant parents and its indirect trauma transmission to SGVA. Next, participants show “Understanding parent’s struggles and acceptance of parents” in their young adult age (subtheme 7). For mental health services, participants report that “Parent’s emphasis on personal willpower – dismissing mental health” (subtheme 5); meanwhile, a high frequent number of participants discussed “seeking mental health services” (subtheme 10) as a part of coping strategies albeit some reported challenges in service access.

This study found evidence of indirect trauma transmission through communication and parenting, highlighted the significance of intergenerational acculturation conflict and family harmony, and revealed the persistent stigma surrounding mental health. The findings offer insights into the unique needs and challenges faced by SGVA young adults, informing the development of more effective, culturally responsive mental health interventions.