An interview with Filipino author Kevin Nadal, Ph.D.

Photo Courtesy of JoAnn Garcia

Please provide a brief description of your book Filipino American Psychology: Filipino Americans are the second largest Asian American/ Pacific Islander population in the United States and they are projected to become the largest Asian American population by 2010. With 1.37 million Filipino-born immigrants living in the US, Filipino Americans are the second largest immigrant population in the country. Filipino American Psychology: A Handbook of Theory, Research, and Clinical Practice offers a comprehensive look at the psyche of Filipino Americans. By examining history, cultural values, influences of colonialism, community dynamics, and intersections with other identities, the reader will have an opportunity to understand essential information about this population. Students will gain knowledge and awareness about Filipino American identity and personality development, while practitioners will learn culturally-competent techniques to become better counselors, clinicians, and educators. This book is the first of its kind and aims to promote visibility of this invisible group, so that 2.4 million Filipino Americans will have their voices heard.

What is your background and what lead you to writing this book? I have a Ph.D. in counseling psychology and I have been studying Filipino American issues for the past decade. I wrote this book because Filipino Americans have been invisible in the social sciences and other fields, and it was time for our voices to be heard. There are so few Filipino Americans in academia or sciences, and so little research that focuses on the differences between Asian American ethnic groups. There needs to be more research and literature written on all Asian American groups, and specifically Asian American groups that are often overlooked or ignored. But in order for that to happen, more Filipino Americans have to get their PhDs and/or to continue to fight to give voice to our community. I hope this book can serve as an inspiration for other Filipino Americans to enter academia and advocate for our needs.

Book: Filipino American Psychology

Did anything happen to you while writing your book? When I was doing research for this book, I learned a lot about the health disparities that our community faces, particularly in terms of physical health and mental health. I learned that Filipino Americans have among the highest prevalence of obesity, cardiovascular disease, tobacco use, substance use, teen pregnancy, suicide ideation, and diabetes out of all Asian American groups. However, our community seems to be fairly unaware of these issues, and there are few outreach or prevention programs that address this. Because of this, I think it gave me a push to be more vocal and to advocate more for our needs.

What are the benefits of reading your book Filipino American Psychology?  I think Filipino Americans who read the book will be able to understand themselves a bit better. They may have opportunities to learn about their culture, and how this culture has influenced the ways they think, feel, and behave. I think they may also be able to feel validated, in knowing that other people experience similar things as they do and that being Filipino is normal. For non-Filipino Americans, I believe that they will learn about a culture that is often ignored in the literature.

What makes you unique and sets you apart from other Filipinos? I think I'm your typical Filipino American guy in a lot of ways. I respect my elders, family always comes first, and I drink San Miguel beer. I guess the only way that I'm atypical is that I'm a vegetarian. There are very few Filipino vegetarians I know, and I have difficulty finding anything to eat when I go to family parties.

Book signing in New York City

Is there anything you wish people knew about you that they probably don't know? I want people to know that I'm just a regular guy, who was an average student, and was able to succeed because of the many positive influences I had in my life. I say this because I don't think that I have any exceptional talents that others don't have. However, I do believe that I've worked hard to be where I am, I listened to a lot of people who pushed me in the right direction, I followed my passions and my dreams, and I have tried to remain true to myself. I believe that if everyone follows these basic tenets, that anyone can achieve greatness.

What is one of your favorite stories about a reader’s experience? I have a lot of very touching stories. I've had a lot of readers email me and tell me how I've changed their lives. Some talked about how they finally felt normalized and understood after reading my book. Others have told me that I've inspired them to continue onto graduate school. These are all very humbling to me, and I hope it just encourages others to inspire others as well. I had so many people that mentored me and supported me in so many ways that allowed me to be where I am today. I would not be who I am without these people, and so it is my duty to pay it forward and help others however I can.

For more info: Visit Kevin Nadal's Website