Txoj Kev Txhawb Lub Siab Loj Los Ntawm Poj Niam Hmoob: A Critical Epistemological Womanist Approach

The literature suggests that Hmong women are at an increased risk for mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety, and as such, may benefit from having culturally responsive interventions. Although there has been an increase in multicultural research over the years, there continues to be a gap between what is known about the multicultural experience (e.g., cultural identity formation) and what is done with that information (e.g., how to help those struggling with cultural identity formation). The gap between multicultural theory and practice calls for an original contribution offering culturally responsive treatments rooted in the critical theory tradition. This dissertation features a wholly original and first-of-its kind Hmong-centered treatment manual for Hmong women, the Critical Epistemological Womanist Approach (CEWA). CEWA is a manual for psychologists working with Hmong women in the United States who may struggle to navigate their cultural identities. This approach gives Hmong women the skills needed to navigate their cultural identities through the critical deconstruction of knowledge. The process used assists in reclaiming and reforming cultural knowledge from a Hmong womanist perspective