A Reasoned Action Approach to Increase Asian Americans' Counseling Intention Upon Pet Loss.

Losing a beloved pet can be difficult on the human psyche. In Western societies, many bereaved pet owners often suffer alone and in private, due to the unease or embarrassment surrounding their grief expression, as is especially the case among Asian Americans because of various sociocultural reasons. Incorporating the Reasoned Action Approach (RAA), a well-known theory in Health Communication, this study surveyed 600 Asian American adults and identified theory-driven and empirically tested intervention strategies that aim to increase Asian Americans' intention to seek counseling upon pet loss. Our study found that age and ethnic differences were significantly associated with counseling intention. We also identified three salient control beliefs under the RAA (e.g., the ability to make appointments online, participating in counseling/therapy over the phone, and the immediate availability of counselors/therapists) that significantly heighten Asian Americans' counseling intention upon pet loss through self-efficacy. Theoretical implications and practical contributions of this study are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]