Paul Youngbin Kim Ph.D.

About

Paul Youngbin Kim, Ph.D., is a professor of psychology at Seattle Pacific University. He received his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Notre Dame, and a B.A. in Psychology from Calvin College. His research interests are in Asian and Asian American psychological processes, especially regarding the cultural, religious, interpersonal, and individual factors that impact psychological outcomes such as well-being and attitudes toward seeking mental health help. His scholarly work has been published in APA journals including Journal of Counseling Psychology, Cultural Diversity & Ethnic Minority Psychology, and Psychology of Religion & Spirituality. He is also a regular contributor to the Christian Scholar’s Review blog.

Recent Posts

How to Cope with Homesickness During a Short-Term Trip

Missing home during a shorter trip, such as an intensive study abroad program, can trigger confusion and even guilt. Here are some ways to respond.

Why We Keep Returning to That Difficult but Good Experience

Sometimes, difficult experiences or activities pull us back in. Here are some psychological reasons as to why we circle back, despite our declaration that "this is the last time."

To Visit the DMZ in South Korea Is to Embrace the Absurd

Personal Perspective: Have you struggled to make sense of the DMZ in South Korea? I visited recently with my American students. Here are some takeaways.

Forced to Unplug at the Airport and Making the Most of It

Personal Perspective: I felt anxiety without Wi-Fi at the airport, but being unplugged for two hours was not that bad. Here are a few things I tried while offline.

If You Often Say “Back in My Day," You Might Be Grieving

Personal Perspective: Why are cultural changes so difficult? Drawing from my Korean American experience, I suggest that a surprising psychological process can aid acceptance.

It's Complicated: A Psychologist's Take on an Olympic Gaffe

Why were the South Korean people so upset about a gaffe at the Olympic opening ceremonies? The answer might surprise you.

"Living Far Away Is Unfilial": Caregiving Across Cultures

When adult children care for parents living in a different country, unique challenges arise. Minhee Cho, LMFT, shares her experiences focused on Korean culture.

When Your Own Culture Says That You Don't Fully Belong

Personal Perspective: As a Korean American who regularly visits Korea, I sometimes encounter insults and slights from Korean folks. Here are a few coping responses I've learned.

What a Facebook Group Taught Me About Answering Questions

Are you looking to improve your skills in answering questions? Here are some insights based on my observations on a social media page.

We Need More Precision When Discussing Mental Health Stigma

We regularly talk about the challenges of mental health stigma. But are we meaning what we intend to mean? The discussion would benefit from more specificity and nuance.