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This article discusses three issues concerning the field of psychology: modern psychology and its definition of mental health; Japanese ideology and its definition of mental health; and applicability of Western methods of psychotherapy to other cultures. There are at least two different definitions of good mental health and most psychotherapies in use today have developed in response to a need to promote healthy adjustment. There are at least two main problems with the definition of good mental health in modern psychology. First, the definition diminishes the value of human relationships, and second, it is not healthy for everyone in the world to follow a pre-determined ideology housed within a specific culture. The Japanese definition of mental health also has its unique problems, and some traditions within the Japanese culture have a tremendous impact on an individual's mental health. In summary, every definition of mental health has its own particular strengths and weaknesses, just as each society has its own strengths and weaknesses. If psychology is going to move towards a more international approach, the most important thing may be to acknowledge the validity of each definition and each value system. (Contains 21 references.) (JDM)

This paper explores the origin and historical background of the "model minority" stereotype. It includes evidence illustrating problems resulting from the artificial grouping of Asian Americans as one ethnic group and the stereotype's influence on young Asian Americans. In the 1960s, the U.S. media began to portray the model minority through academic and economic success stories of Japanese and Chinese students. These reports were generalized to all Asians because the majority group did not pay attention to the differences among Asians. Evidence is presented to rebut the four main themes of the model minority hypothesis: (1) Asian Americans exhibit lower incidents of criminal activity and almost no juvenile delinquency; (2) Asian Americans are physically and mentally healthier than other Americans; (3) Asian Americans earn higher incomes than other Americans; and (4) Asian American students are higher scholastic achievers than other American students. Evidence exists to counter each of these assumptions. Because of the prevalence of the model minority stereotype, however, many young Asian Americans try to live up to these stereotypes. It is difficult to refute stereotypes that do not contain negative implications on the surface. In addition, the model minority stereotype could have been applied accurately to some early groups of immigrants, who were well-educated and from upper-class families in their home countries. Still, it is not accurate to characterize Asian Americans as though they are all alike. Empirical data prove that the model minority stereotype is a myth. (Contains 35 references.) (SLD)

Noting that fewer than half the single mothers in the United States receive complete and regular child support payments, this paper discusses reasons for unpaid child support, examines whether stricter enforcement of child support obligations will help solve the overall problem, and proposes another option for solving the problem of unpaid child support. Typical cases of unpaid child support are presented to illustrate the range of situations considered. The paper examines the current trend of forcing fathers to pay child support and describes recent legislation to increase fathers' financial contributions or to locate delinquent fathers. The paper notes that child support payment enforcement is not sensitive to fathers' individual situations, such as differences in social ties or changes in the family structure, and asserts the need to consider how to help fathers and mothers increase their incomes. Further, the paper maintains that legislation has contributed to the dissolution of families because financial contributions are guaranteed to divorced and never-married mothers. It is argued that American family dissolution and problems in obtaining child support are related to American values of freedom, individualism, and independence. The paper maintains that stricter enforcement of child support does not help to solve the overall problem because it is related to the abuse of the values of freedom, individualism, and independence. The paper concludes by proposing an after-school prevention program targeting junior and senior high school African American males in high unemployment areas. Contains 28 references. (KB)