“It Would Ruin My Life”: Pacific Islander Male Adolescents’ Perceptions of Mental Health Help-Seeking—An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Focus Group Study

Melia Fonoimoana Garrett, Elizabeth A. Cutrer-Párraga (), G. E. Kawika Allen, Ellie L. Young, Kristofer J. Urbina and Isabel Medina Hull
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Melia Fonoimoana Garrett: School Psychology Department, Nebo School District, Spanish Fork, UT 84660, USA
Elizabeth A. Cutrer-Párraga: Counseling Psychology & Special Education, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
G. E. Kawika Allen: Counseling Psychology & Special Education, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
Ellie L. Young: Counseling Psychology & Special Education, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
Kristofer J. Urbina: Counseling Psychology & Special Education, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
Isabel Medina Hull: Special Education Department, Alpine School District, American Fork, UT 84003, USA

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 1, 1-32

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.

Keywords: Pacific Islanders; Polynesians; mental health; mental wellness; interpretative phenomenological analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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