Abstract
This study examined stressors and barriers to using mental health services among first-generation immigrants in San Jose,
California. Focus groups for 30 immigrants from Cambodia, Eastern Europe, Iran, Iraq, Africa, and Vietnam were audio-recorded,
translated and transcribed. Two researchers coded the data and identified themes pertaining to mental health stressors and
barriers. Six primary stressors were identified: economic, discrimination, acculturation due to language differences, enculturation,
parenting differences, and finding suitable employment. Primary barriers included: stigma, lack of a perceived norm in country
of origin for using mental health services, competing cultural practices, lack of information, language barriers, and cost.
A conceptual model is presented that may be used to inform the design and implementation of mental health services for this
population.
California. Focus groups for 30 immigrants from Cambodia, Eastern Europe, Iran, Iraq, Africa, and Vietnam were audio-recorded,
translated and transcribed. Two researchers coded the data and identified themes pertaining to mental health stressors and
barriers. Six primary stressors were identified: economic, discrimination, acculturation due to language differences, enculturation,
parenting differences, and finding suitable employment. Primary barriers included: stigma, lack of a perceived norm in country
of origin for using mental health services, competing cultural practices, lack of information, language barriers, and cost.
A conceptual model is presented that may be used to inform the design and implementation of mental health services for this
population.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-9
- DOI 10.1007/s10597-011-9419-4
- Authors
- Fay Saechao, Center for Survivors of Torture, Asian Americans for Community Involvement, 2400 Moorpark Ave., Suite 300, San Jose, CA 95128, USA
- Sally Sharrock, Center for Survivors of Torture, Asian Americans for Community Involvement, 2400 Moorpark Ave., Suite 300, San Jose, CA 95128, USA
- Daryn Reicherter, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, School of Medicine, 401 Quarry Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
- James D. Livingston, Center for Survivors of Torture, Asian Americans for Community Involvement, 2400 Moorpark Ave., Suite 300, San Jose, CA 95128, USA
- Alexandra Aylward, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, School of Medicine, 401 Quarry Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
- Jill Whisnant, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, School of Medicine, 401 Quarry Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
- Cheryl Koopman, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, School of Medicine, 401 Quarry Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
- Sarita Kohli, Center for Survivors of Torture, Asian Americans for Community Involvement, 2400 Moorpark Ave., Suite 300, San Jose, CA 95128, USA
- Journal Community Mental Health Journal
- Online ISSN 1573-2789
- Print ISSN 0010-3853