Systemic Intervention Through Relational Savoring: Cultural Considerations for Working With Asian American Families

Relational savoring (RS) is a brief, accessible, relationship-based intervention guided by systemic principles. RS may benefit Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) families experiencing relational difficulties. Family ties are often protective for AANHPI groups, yet acculturation-related stress may impede families' ability to leverage this asset. RS has evidenced effectiveness in increasing well-being and relationship quality, but has yet to be tested with AANHPI families. RS may align well with cultural values relevant to AANHPI communities, such as interconnectedness, while also overcoming barriers through its strengths-based approach. This paper outlines the decision-making process used to adapt RS for AANHPI families and emphasizes the role of community feedback. An iterative and rigorous approach is essential to determine whether adaptation is needed and to identify appropriate targets for change. Importantly, enhancing the cultural responsiveness of RS furthers our goal of promoting flourishing and addressing health disparities among underserved families.