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Agenda

3	Introduction
4	Demographic Characteristics
6	Immigration history
8	Cultural values
10	Religious traditions
12	Counseling values
14	Acculturalization challenges
16	Mental health challenges
18	Social justice /advocacy issues
20	Effective therapuetic approaches
22	Pakistan
29	Intergenerational trauma
32	“honor killings”
36	Support for south Asian Americans

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INTRODUCTION

The South Asian cultures consist of individuals from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.

South Asian Americans

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Demographic characteristics

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Distinguishing South Asians from east & southeast asians

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South Asians	East & Southeast Asians
Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan	Cambodia, China, Philippines, Indonesia, and Japan
Bharat is an ancient Sanskrit term with roots in Hindu scriptures and cultural traditions, while "India" is derived from the Indus River. Bharat is also widely used, particularly within India. Pakistan and Bangladesh were taken out of India as separate counties when the British left India in 1947.
South Asian cultures have many commonalities that separate them from other cultural and ethnic groups worldwide.
Diverse number of languages – There are 428 languages listed for India alone, while 22 of those languages are official languages of India.
Diverse religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism, Islam, Judaism, tribal religions, and Christianity.

(McAuliffe, 2020)

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Immigration experience

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Immigration experiences

South Asians are one of the fastest growing populations in the United States.
South Asian migration to the Unites States happened in three major waves:

1^st wave – 1897-1924 South Asians immigrated from the Indian subcontinents for opportunity and liberty (farmers & ship workers). They were not allowed to own land nor bring their spouses or family members to the U.S.

2^nd wave – The Immigration & Naturalization Act of 1965 was the beginning of the 2^nd wave of immigration (medical doctors, scientists and engineers). This act ended legal racial discrimination against South Asians. Entry into the U.S. was determined by the knowledge and skills of what they can offer the U.S.

3^rd wave – The family Reunification Act – Immigrants were sponsored through their family members (taxi drivers, convenience store clerks, small motel operators, & small business owners). Those who migrated during the 3^rd wave were less educated and knew less English than prior immigrants.

There are 4.3 million South Asian Americans in the United States.
Between 2000 and 2010, the populations of Indians, Bangladeshi, Pakistani, and Sri Lankans increased by 78%

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(McAuliffe, 2020)

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Cultural values

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Cultural values

Patriarchy: the father or the eldest male in the extended family is the head of the household and takes care of the financial and emotional needs of the family.
Collectivism: Strong emphasis on family (extended family often lives together or is deeply involved), community, and group harmony over individual needs.
Filial Piety: Deep respect for elders and parents, often involving obligations and deference to their wishes.
Interdependence: Sense of mutual reliance and responsibility within the family unit.
"Log Kya Kahenge?" (What will people say?): A pervasive concern for social reputation, honor (izzat), and avoiding shame for the family.
Education & Professional Achievement: Highly valued as a path to upward mobility and family honor.
Privacy: Personal struggles, especially those perceived as weaknesses, are kept within the family.

South Asian Americans

2025

(McAuliffe, 2020)

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Religious traditions

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Major religious influences

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Islam: Significant population adhering to Islam (Sunni and Shia); religious practices, community centers (mosques), and spiritual leaders play a central role.

Hinduism: Diverse traditions, deities, and practices; temples serve as cultural and spiritual hubs.

Sikhism: Importance of gurdwaras, community service (seva), and principles of equality.

Other Faiths: Buddhism, Jainism, Christianity, and smaller indigenous beliefs also present.

Influence on Mental Health: Religion can be a source of strength, coping, and social support, but also a source of stigma if mental illness is viewed as a spiritual failing or divine punishment.

(McAuliffe, 2020)

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South Asian values for counseling

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Cultural Values in the Counseling Context

Respect for Authority: Clients may expect the therapist to be an expert and provide direct advice.
Indirect Communication: May prefer indirect communication, especially regarding sensitive topics or family issues.
Family Involvement: Strong expectation that family members will be involved in decision-making and problem-solving. Individual therapy may be viewed with suspicion if it isolates the individual from the family.
Stigma of "Weakness": Presenting for counseling may be seen as a sign of personal or family weakness, impacting willingness to seek help.
Somatization: Psychological distress may be expressed through physical symptoms (headaches, stomach aches) rather than emotional terms.
Privacy & Confidentiality: High value placed on keeping family matters private, requiring careful attention to confidentiality.

South Asian Americans

2025

(McAuliffe, 2020)

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Acculturalization challenges

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Navigating Acculturation

Generational Gaps: Significant differences in values, expectations, and communication styles between immigrant parents and their American-born or raised children.
Identity Struggles: Second and third generations may feel conflicted between traditional South Asian cultural expectations and American individualistic norms.
Parental Expectations: Pressure to pursue specific careers (medicine, engineering), achieve academic excellence, and conform to traditional marriage patterns.
Cultural Challeneges: Conflicts arising from differing views on dating, independence, gender roles, and social interactions.
Language Barriers: For first-generation immigrants, limited English proficiency can hinder access to services and social integration.
Discrimination & Racism: Experiences of prejudice, stereotyping, and xenophobia, contributing to stress and psychological distress

presentation title

20XX

(McAuliffe, 2020)

(Siddiqui, 2022)

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Mental health challenges

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Common Mental Health Issues

High Prevalence: South Asian Americans experience mental health conditions at rates comparable to or higher than the general population.
Depression & Anxiety: Among the most common conditions, often linked to acculturative stress, family conflict, and academic/career pressures.
PTSD: Can be prevalent among refugees or those who experienced trauma during migration or in their home countries.
Eating Disorders: Rising among younger generations, influenced by Western beauty standards and cultural pressures.
Substance Use: While historically lower, rates may be increasing, particularly among youth navigating cultural assimilation and stress.
Somatization: Tendency to express psychological distress through physical symptoms, which can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed mental health treatment.

South Asian Americans

2025

(McAuliffe, 2020)

(Shah and Ahluwalia, 2024)

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Social justice and advocacy issues

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Social justice and advocacy issues

Racial & Religious Discrimination

Persistent experiences of racial discrimination in employment, housing, and public spaces.
Heightened religious discrimination and xenophobia, particularly targeting Muslim and Sikh communities post-9/11.Surge in anti-Asian hate and online threats, often fueled by political rhetoric and stereotypes.

Immigration & Policy Challenges

Impact of restrictive immigration policies and visa programs (e.g., H-1B) on skilled workers and family reunification.
Vulnerability of undocumented individuals within the community to deportation and limited access to resources.
Challenges in navigating complex immigration laws and processes.

Labor Exploitation & Economic Justice

Historical and contemporary issues of labor exploitation, including wage theft and unsafe working conditions, particularly in low-wage sectors.
Economic disparities and limited access to capital for small businesses.
The "model minority" myth often masks socioeconomic struggles and diverse needs within the community.

Mental Health Access & Stigma

Significant stigma surrounding mental illness, leading to underreporting and reluctance to seek professional help.
Barriers to care include lack of culturally competent providers, language barriers, and preference for informal support systems.
Need for increased mental health literacy and culturally sensitive interventions.

(McAuliffe, 2020)

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Effective therapuetic approaches

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Culturally Sensitive Interventions

Culturally Competent Therapists: Essential to understand and respect clients' cultural values, religious beliefs, and acculturation experiences.
Psychoeducation: Providing clear, destigmatizing information about mental health conditions and treatment options, often involving the family.
Family-Systems Approach: Incorporating family members into therapy when appropriate, recognizing the collective nature of South Asian families.
Integration of Spirituality/Religion: Acknowledging and, if appropriate, integrating clients' spiritual and religious beliefs into the healing process.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Effective for addressing distorted thoughts and developing coping skills, adaptable to cultural contexts.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Useful for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, particularly for complex trauma.
Community-Based Initiatives: Developing and supporting mental health programs within South Asian community organizations to reduce stigma and increase accessibility.
Language-Specific Services: Offering therapy in native languages when possible.

South Asian Americans

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(McAuliffe, 2020)

(Hong et al., 2012)

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pakistan

"Himat e marda madad e khuda" (ہمّتِ مردان مددِ خدا):�"God helps those who help themselves," This Highlights the importance of self-reliance and effort in achieving one's goals.

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Pakistan's Cultural Diversity

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Ethnic Groups: Dominant groups include Punjabis, Pashtuns, Sindhis, Balochs, Muhajirs, and various smaller groups (e.g., Brahui, Saraiki, Kashmiri).

Regional Cultures: Each province and region boasts distinct customs, folk music, dance forms, traditional attire, and culinary specialties.

Linguistic Diversity: While Urdu is the national language, Punjabi, Pashto, Sindhi, Balochi, and Saraiki are widely spoken, reflecting ethnic diversity.

Historical Influences: Persian, Central Asian, Arab, and British influences evident in architecture, language, and customs.

(McAuliffe, 2020)

(Sheikh, 2024)

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The Land of the Pure: �Introducing Pakistan

Pakistan is called the "Land of the Pure" because the name is derived from Urdu and Persian, means "Land of the Pure". The term "Pak" signifies "pure" or "holy," and "-stan" is a Persian suffix meaning "land" or "place of". This name was chosen when the nation was created as a homeland for the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent, with the concept of "pure" often linked to Islamic ideals.
Geography: Located in South Asia, bordering Iran, Afghanistan, China, and India; diverse landscapes (mountains, deserts, plains, coastline).
Formation: Established in 1947 as an independent nation for Muslims of British India.
Population: Fifth most populous country globally, with a young demographic.
Capital: Islamabad (planned city).
Largest city: Karachi (major port and economic hub).
Official Languages: Urdu (national language), English (official language); numerous regional languages.

South Asian Americans

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(McAuliffe, 2020)

(Sheikh, 2024)

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Family and Community in Pakistan

Extended Family System: Joint family units are common, providing strong social support, shared responsibilities, and elder care.
Patriarchal System: Traditionally, society is patriarchal, with men holding primary authority, though women's roles are evolving, especially in urban areas.
Respect for Elders: Deeply ingrained cultural value; elders are highly respected and their advice is sought.
Community Bonds: Strong emphasis on community solidarity, mutual support, and collective well-being.
Marriage: Often arranged or semi-arranged, emphasizing family compatibility and social standing.

South Asian Americans

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(McAuliffe, 2020)

(Sheikh, 2024)

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The Role of Islam in Pakistan

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Official Religion: Islam is the state religion, with the majority being Sunni Muslims, and a significant Shia minority.

Sufi Tradition: A strong and influential Sufi mystical tradition, particularly in Punjab and Sindh, emphasizing love, tolerance, and spiritual connection.

Religious Minorities: Presence of Christians, Hindus, Ahmadis, and others, though they face challenges.

Impact on Daily Life: Religious practices and values influence social norms, festivals, legal frameworks (family law), and educational systems.

(Sheikh, 2024)

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Pakistani Food and �Welcoming Traditions

Rich Flavors: Influenced by Central Asian, Middle Eastern, and Indian cuisines, characterized by aromatic spices, rich gravies, and diverse cooking methods.
Staple Foods: Wheat (breads like naan, roti), rice, lentils, and a variety of meats (chicken, beef, lamb).
Popular Dishes: Biryani, Nihari, Haleem, Kebabs, Karahi, various curries.
Sweets & Desserts: Gulab Jamun, Jalebi, Kheer, Barfi.
Hospitality: Guests are highly honored; offering food and drink is a fundamental expression of respect and generosity.

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(Sheikh, 2024)

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Festivals and Cultural Events

Religious Festivals

Eid al-Fitr: Marks the end of Ramadan, celebrated with prayers, feasts, and gift-giving.
Eid al-Adha: Commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's sacrifice, involving animal sacrifice and sharing meat with the needy.
Mawlid (Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi): Celebration of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday.
Ashura: Observed by Shia Muslims, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain.

National Festivals

Pakistan Day (March 23): Commemorates the Lahore Resolution and the adoption of the first constitution.
Independence Day (August 14): Celebrates the nation's independence from British rule.
Cultural Festivals: Basant (kite flying festival, though often restricted), Mela Chiraghan (Festival of Lights at a Sufi shrine), various regional harvest festivals.

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(Sheikh, 2024)

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Intergenerational trauma��Intergenerational trauma refers to the unresolved psychological and emotional effects of trauma transmitted across generations, impacting individuals and families.

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Intergenerational trauma

Cultural factors and expectations: Strong cultural emphasis on family, reputation, and conformity can create pressure and internal conflicts for individuals navigating traditional values and Western cultural norms, potentially impacting mental health and family dynamics.
Immigration and resettlement: South Asian immigrants often face additional challenges of acculturation stress, racial discrimination, and isolation, further intensifying psychological burdens and contributing to the transmission of trauma.
Silence and stigma surrounding mental health: Cultural stigma associated with mental health issues can hinder seeking professional help and prevent open discussions about trauma, perpetuating cycles of harm.

South Asian Americans

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(Shah et al., 2024)

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Pakistan

Women, Violence & Conflict

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“Honor killings”�� Honor killings are acts of violence, often murder, against female family members perceived to have brought dishonor or shame to the family by transgressing social norms.

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“honor killings”

Patriarchal traditions and views on women: Honor killings are often rooted in deeply entrenched patriarchal traditions where women's behavior, particularly concerning sexuality and marriage, is viewed as central to family honor and controlled by male family members.
Refusal of arranged marriages or seeking divorce: Disobeying family wishes regarding marriage or seeking divorce can be perceived as defying cultural norms and bringing shame.
Social and community pressure: Fear of social ostracization and loss of reputation within close-knit communities can exert immense pressure on families to resort to honor-based violence.
Intergenerational transmission of beliefs: Harmful beliefs and practices surrounding honor, shame, and gender roles can be passed down through generations, contributing to the perpetuation of honor killings.

South Asian Americans

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(SOAR, 2025)

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Remembering Victims of “Honor killings”

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Qandeel Baloch

Pakistan (2016)

Hira Anwar

Pakistan (2025)

Saman Abbas

Pakistan (2021)

(Ansa, 2023)

(Ur-Rehman, 2025)

(Hadid, 2022)

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Victims of “honor killings”

Qandeel Baloch

“I drugged her first, then I killed her.”

“Girls are born to stay home and follow traditions. My sister never did that.” - Waseem Baloch

Qandeel Baloch gained both fame and notoriety in inherently conservative and patriarchal Pakistan for her bold, sassy and increasingly political social media posts.
Baloch’s murder in 2016 sparked a national outcry and promoted changes in Pakistan’s ‘honor killing’ laws.
Three months after Qandeel Baloch’s death, Pakistan lawmakers responded to the public outcry and passed legislation against the controversial practice – a landmark ruling welcomed by rights activists and lawyers.

Saman Abbas

"If you don’t hear from me… they’ve killed me.”

– Saman Abbas

Saman was an 18-year-old Pakastani woman who resided in Italy. She was murdered by her parents and uncle as she refused her family’s demands to marry a cousin in their homeland.
This became the most high-profile trial of recent criminal investigations in Italy dealing with the slaying or mistreatment of immigrant women/girls who have rebelled against family.

Hira Anwar

Hira's "clothing choices, lifestyle and social relationships" had brought shame upon the family. - Anwar ul-Haq Rajpoot

Hira was a 14-year-old girl from Yonkers, New York, with dreams of being a lawyer. According to The New York Times, she was described by her principal and friends as sassy, confident, and a natural leader.
In January 2025, her father, Anwar ul-Haq Rajpoot, took her on a trip to his hometown of Quetta, Pakistan, seemingly for a family vacation where she was shot to death outside her father's family home.

South Asian Americans

2025

(Ansa, 2023)

(Ur-Rehman, 2025)

(Hadid, 2022)

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Support for south Asian Americans

South Asian “soar” – Survivors, organizations, & allies rising

SOAR was founded in response to a growing crisis: 48% of South Asian men and women report experiencing at least one form of gender-based violence.
Their Light Remains is an annual remembrance series that began in 2022, honoring South Asian lives lost to gender-based violence.
Woven voices survivor storytelling Zine - In 2022, SOAR launched its first year-long storytelling program that supported 16 South Asian survivors of gender-based violence to reclaim their stories for healing and change.
https://www.southasiansoar.org/

Sakhi for south Asian survivors

Kavita Mehra, executive director of Sakhi for South Asian Survivors, a New York-based nonprofit organization, said that in the United States, gender-based violence (GBV) happened at higher rates within South Asian communities. Nearly half of South Asians in the United States report experiencing such violence at least once, according to surveys.
https://sakhi.org/

ashiyanaa

Ashiyanaa (formerly ASHA for Women) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 1989 to provide culturally-competent support services to South Asian women and children impacted by interpersonal violence.
https://ashiyanaa.org/

South Asian Americans

2025

(Ansa, 2023)

(Ur-Rehman, 2025)

(Hadid, 2022)

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"It's really an honor to be part of this zine and be able to help break that silence around GBV in general. I want us to be in a world where we can share these things openly if we choose to. Healing through storytelling is such a powerful thing and this zine is contributing towards that collective healing around violence."

quote by SOAR program participant

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(SOAR, 2025)

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Influential south Asian leaders

mahatma gandhi

Led India’s independence movement through non-violent resistance (Satyagraha).

Anagarika dharmapala

His efforts helped re-establish Buddhism in Sri Lanka and spread its influence globally.

Muhammad Ali jinnah

His leadership led to the formation of Pakistan, reshaping South Asian geopolitics.

Dhar mann

American entrepreneur and film producer

Dr. Muhammad Yunus

His work has transformed the global fight against poverty, inspiring microfinance institutions worldwide.

Priyanka chopra

Indian actress and film producer

King Prithvi Narayan shah

His vision of a united Nepal continues to define the country’s national identity.

Mindy kaling

South Asian actress, writer, and producer

South Asian Americans

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THANK YOU

Pamela Noel Barbagallo

pbarbaga@nyit.edu

Mhco 710

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references

Ashiyanaa. (2025). https://ashiyanaa.org/
Ansa (2023). Saman’s parents get life for teen’s honour killing. https://www.ansa.it/english/news/general_news/2023/12/19/samans-parents-get-life-for-teens-honour-killing_1d81f140-6208-485f-bc10-32b657fa7c33.html
Hadid, D. (2022). A man who strangled his celebrity sister has been acquitted in Pakistan. https://www.npr.org/2022/02/15/1080843294/qandeel-baloch-brother-acquittal-murder-pakistan
Hall, G., Hong, J., Zane, N., Meyer, O. (2012). Culturally-Competent Treatments for Asian Americans: The Relevance of Mindfulness and Acceptance-Based Psychotherapies. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3208524/
McAuliffe, G. J. (Ed.). (2020). Culturally Alert Counseling: A Comprehensive Introduction (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications.
Murphy, A. (2025). The religions of South Asia. https://asiasociety.org/education/religions-south-asia
Needham, B, Mukherjee, B., Bagchi, P., Kim, C., Mukherjea, A., Kandula, N., Kanaya, A. (2017). Acculturation Strategies among South Asian Immigrants: The Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) Study. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5003760/
Patel, P. (2024). The impact of cultural expectations on South Asian American mental health. https://www.intentionaltherapypllc.com/blog/cultural-expectations
Sakhi for South Asian Survivors. (2025). https://sakhi.org/
Shah, M., Roy, S., Ahluwalia, A. (2024). Intergenerational Trauma and Mental Health Disability in the South Asian Context. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/383261237_Intergenerational_Trauma_and_Mental_Health_Disability_in_the_South_Asian_Context
Sharma, N., Shaligram, D., Yoon, G. (2020). Engaging South Asian youth and families: A clinical review. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32449476/
Sheikh, U. (2024). Celebrating Culture in Pakistan, https://www.london.ac.uk/news-events/student-blog/celebrating-culture-pakistan
Siddiqui, S. (2022). Acculturative stress, everyday racism, and mental health among a community sample of South Asians in Texas. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9638105/
Tinds. (2025). 5 Historic South Asian Figures Who Changed the World. https://tinds.com/5-historic-south-asian-figures-who-changed-the-world/
SOAR. (2025). https://www.southasiansoar.org/
Ur-Rehman, Z. (2025). Father Slays New York Girl, 14, in TikTok ‘Honor Killing’. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/30/world/asia/pakistan-new-york-honor-killing.html