WIP: Exploring the Mental Health Challenges of Asian LGBTQIA+ Students in Engineering

The purpose of this WIP research is to explore the mental health challenges faced by Asian LGBTQIA+ students in engineering programs. Heavy workloads and strong competition cause a significant stress culture in engineering. Asian LGBTQIA+ engineering students face unique mental health struggles as both racial and sexual minorities. While Asians are often overrepresented in STEM fields, they are simultaneously underrepresented in discussions about marginalization (Yang et al., 2023). Most previous LGBTQIA + research has similarly focused on white individuals, leaving a significant gap in understanding the experiences of Queer People of Color (QPOC) (Jennings et al., 2020). Therefore, it is crucial to study this topic to address the unique intersectional challenges faced by Asian LGBTQIA+ students in engineering and to promote more inclusive mental health support. This study utilizes Minority Stress Theory (Meyer, 2003) and Intersectionality (Crenshaw, 2013) as the main theories and uses qualitative methods, especially in-depth interviews, to better understand the unique pressure and isolation faced by Asian LGBTQIA+ engineering students and try to figure out how to provide more helpful and customized support for them. We interviewed 2 Asian LGBTQIA+ engineering students and analyzed the transcripts using in vivo and concept codes (Saldaña, 2021). Preliminary analysis of these interviews suggests that Asian culture and queer identity are both barriers for Asian LGBTQIA+ engineering students feeling a sense of belonging to their engineering programs, strengthening their recognition and acceptance of their intersecting identities, and seeking help for mental health issues. This study addresses and dismantles oppressive education systems and promotes environments where marginalized students can thrive, which aligns with the Equity, Culture, and Social Justice (ECSJ) Division's mission.