Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Chinese – Mental health – Australia'
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Sonderegger, Robi, and n/a. "Patterns of Cultural Adjustment Among Young Former-Yugoslavian and Chinese Migrants To Australia." Griffith University. School of Applied Psychology, 2003. http://www4.gu.edu.au:8080/adt-root/public/adt-QGU20030918.153743.
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Australia is a culturally diverse country with many migrant and refugee families in need of mental health services. Yet, surveys indicate that many culturally diverse community members do not feel comfortable in accessing mental health services, often due to a limited understanding of current western practices and the lack of practitioner cultural sensitivity. Despite the apparent need, few investigations have been conducted with migrant families to understand their different values and needs, and identify how they adjust to a new culture. The paucity of empirical research is largely due to the number of variables associated with the process of cultural change, and the fact that culture itself may lend different meaning to symptom experience, and the expression thereof. Moreover, because migrant adaptation is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, it is often rendered difficult to investigate. Cultural groups have been observed to exhibit differences in the pathogenesis and expressions of psychological adjustment, thus making culturally sensitive assessment a particularly arduous yet important task. Although the number of studies conducted on cultural adaptation trends of adult migrants is growing, few investigations have examined the acculturation experiences of children and adolescents. Moreover, the link between acculturation and mental health has confounded researchers and practitioners alike. Considering assessment procedures largely influence therapeutic strategies, it is deemed essential that Australian health care professionals understand language, behavioural, and motivational differences between ethnic groups. In response to appeals for empirical data on culture-specific differences and developmental pathways of emotional resiliency and psychopathology, the present research program examines the complex interplay between situational factors and internal processes that contribute to mental health among young migrants and refugees. The research focuses particularly on anxiety, which is not only the most common form of childhood psychopathology but also frequently coincides with stressful life events such as cultural relocation. Two hundred and seventy-three primary and high school students (comprised of former-Yugoslavian and Chinese cultural groups) participated in this research program. Primary (n=131) and high school (n=142) students completed self-report measures of acculturation, internalising symptoms, social support, self-concept/esteem, ethnic identity, and future outlook, and were compared by cultural group, heterogenic ethnicity, school level, gender, and residential duration variables. Specifically, Study 1 aimed to map the cultural adjustment patterns of migrant youth so as to determine both situational and internal process risk and protective factors of emotional distress. The main findings from Study 1 indicate: (1) patterns of cultural adjustment differ for children and adolescents according to cultural background, gender, age, and length of stay in the host culture; (2) former-Yugoslavian migrants generally report greater identification and involvement with Australian cultural norms than Chinese migrant youth; and (3) the divergent variables social support and bicultural adjustment are not universally paired with acculturative stress, as previously indicated in other adult migrant and acculturation studies. These outcomes highlight the importance of addressing the emotional and psychological needs of young migrants from unique age-relevant cultural perspectives. Building on these outcomes, the aim of Study 2 was to propose an organisational structure for a number of single risk factors that have been linked to acculturative stress in young migrants. In recognising that divergent situational characteristics (e.g., school level, gender, residential duration in Australia, social support, and cultural predisposition) are selectively paired with internal processing characteristics (e.g., emotional stability, self-worth/acceptance, acculturation/identity, and future outlook), a top-down path model of acculturative stress for children and adolescents of Chinese and former-Yugoslavian backgrounds was proposed and tested. To determine goodness of model fit, path analysis was employed. Specific cross-cultural profiles, application for the proposed age and culture sensitive models, and research considerations are discussed.
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Chong, Susan. "Chinese women's experiences of accessing mental health services." Thesis, University of British Columbia, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/2429/42184.
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Research worldwide has found the existence of factors adversely influencing Chinese communities’ access to mental health services. Stigma, shame and ‘loss of face’ have played a major role in the underutilization of mental health services by Chinese communities. However, there is little research available in Canada that examines mental health and the general adult Chinese population, particularly gender effects. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to examine Chinese women’s experiences of access to mental health services in an urban context in British Columbia. This study was to seek the perspective of Chinese women and providers as to what were the challenges to and facilitators of Chinese women’s access to mental health services. Interpretive description was used as the research method for this study and enabled an analytic framework formulated from existing knowledge in the field. This assisted in developing knowledge about Chinese women’s illness experiences related to access of mental health services. Purposive sampling was used. In-depth interviews with 7 Chinese women, 2 non Chinese women and 2 health care providers were conducted and the data analyzed. Five themes emerged through the data: 1) stigma and mental illness, 2) social supports: connections with families and friends and the double edged sword, 3) language and access, 4) lack of coordinated, seamless care and the intersection with mental health literacy and 5) health care providers and peer support: navigating mental health services. From these findings, several recommendations were made to reduce stigma and improve access to mental health service. Nurses need to provide culturally competent care, for example, by using professional interpreters when appropriate. In addition, nurses need to be aware of mental health services and other relevant resources inside and outside of the health care system. Nurses are in a good position to provide education to increase mental health literacy and reduce stigma. Also, nurses can advocate and collaborate with community agencies, policy decision-markers and other health care professionals to enhance access to services.
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Descoteaux, Jill. "Dancers’ Reflections on Their Healthcare Experiences: Perspectives from Australia and the USA." Ohio University / OhioLINK, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1530538560639848.
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van, Vliet Helen E. Psychiatry Faculty of Medicine UNSW. "Mental health prevention: design and evaluation of an internet-delivered universal program for use in schools with adolescents." Awarded by:University of New South Wales. School of Psychiatry, 2007. http://handle.unsw.edu.au/1959.4/31899.
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This research describes the design and evaluation of an internet-based universal program for use in schools with adolescent students to prevent common mental disorders and promote mental health. The research began in response to investigations that showed that rates of mental illness in Australian children, teenagers and adults were high, that these illnesses caused significant burden to individuals and society, and that there were insufficient services to treat. When current interventions are unable to alleviate disease burden it is important to focus on prevention. Mental health prevention should target youth before disorders cause disability and restriction of life choices. A review of the mental health prevention literature supported a universal cognitive behavioural approach in schools. Internet delivery was used to maintain content integrity, enable access to people living in regional and remote areas, and to appeal to young people. Internet delivery makes universal prevention cost effective and feasible. The Intervention Mapping approach was used to direct the design of the program. A feasibility study was conducted to gain opinions from students and teaching staff. Changes were made in light of results from this study and 463 students were then exposed to the program in an effectiveness trial. The effectiveness trial was a before-after design with no control group. Results from this trial provided evidence that the program was acceptable and effective for use by teachers in the intervention schools. Also student behaviour and mood changed in beneficial ways after program administration. Specifically, student reported significantly increased knowledge about stress and coping, use of help-seeking behaviours, and life satisfaction, and significantly decreased use of avoidance behaviours, total difficulties and psychological distress. The study design allows causal inferences to be surmised concerning exposure to the intervention and changes in behaviour and mood, but further evidence is needed before firm conclusions about effectiveness can be posited and generalizations made concerning different populations, settings and times. In conclusion, this thesis provides evidence that a computerised, cognitive behavioural mental health prevention program delivered to adolescent school students by teachers can potentially change student coping behaviours and mood in beneficial ways.
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Koo, Fung Kuen. "Disharmony between Chinese and Western views about preventative health : a qualitative investigation of the health beliefs and behaviour of older Hong Kong Chinese people in Australia." University of Sydney, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/2123/1610.
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Doctor of PhilosophyThis study explores the health beliefs and preventive health behaviours of older Hong Kong Chinese people resident in Australia. Participation in physical activity was used as the case study. There were two frameworks used to shape the research. Because of their perceived influence on the health beliefs and practices of Hong Kong Chinese people, the traditional Chinese philosophies of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism provided the philosophical framework. The Theory of Planned Behaviour provided a theoretical framework for understanding the target group's preventive health behaviour. Data was collected by means of in-depth interviews, participant observation and case study. Twenty-two informants were interviewed, their transcripts analysed, summarised and typologised, identifying six states of physical activity participation. Findings demonstrated that this target group possessed a holistic view of health, with food taking a special role in preventive care and self-treatment at times of illness. The Cantonese terms used to denote “physical activity” caused confusion among the target group. Most interpreted it as meaning deliberate planned body movement, strength-enhancing activities or exercise, although some did see it as including mundane daily activities and chores. Lack of time, no interest and laziness were reported as the main reasons for low participation in deliberate planned physical activity. Cultural, social and environmental determinants were the intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing attitudes toward physical activity, as well as perceived social supports and perceived control over physical activity participation barriers. To a large extent, these interactive determinants of health were rooted in the three traditional Chinese philosophies mentioned above. The thesis concludes by arguing that rather than simply advocating activities designed for other populations, health promotion strategies and education need to create links to the traditions of this target group and also clarify their conception of physical activity.
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Speldewinde, Peter Christiaan. "Ecosystem health : the relationship between dryland salinity and human health." University of Western Australia. School of Population Health, 2008. http://theses.library.uwa.edu.au/adt-WU2008.0127.
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Australia is experiencing widespread ecosystem degradation, including dryland salinity, erosion and vegetation loss. Approximately 1 million hectares (5.5%) of the south-west agricultural zone of Western Australia is affected by dryland salinity and is predicted to rise to 5.4 million hectares by 2050. Such degradation is associated with many environmental outcomes that may impact on human health, including a decrease in primary productivity, an increase in the number of invasive species, a decrease in the number of large trees, overall decrease in biodiversity, and an increase in dust production. The resulting degradation affects not only farm production but also farm values. This study examines the effects of such severe and widespread environmental degradation on the physical and mental health of residents. Western Australia has an extensive medical record database which links individual health records for all hospital admissions, cancer cases, births and deaths. For the 15 diseases examined in this project, the study area of the south west of Western Australia (excluding the capital city of Perth) contained 1,570,985 morbidity records and 27,627 mortality records for the 15 diseases examined in a population of approximately 460,000. Environmental data were obtained from the Western Australian Department of Agriculture?s soil and landscape mapping database. A spatial Bayesian framework was used to examine associations between these disease and environmental variables. The Bayesian model detected the confounding variables of socio-economic status and proportion of the population identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. With the inclusion of these confounders in the model, associations were found between environmental degradation (including dryland salinity) and several diseases with known environmentally-mediated triggers, including asthma, ischaemic heart disease, suicide and depression. However, once records of individuals who had been diagnosed with coexistent depression were removed from the analysis, the effect of dryland salinity was no longer statistically detectable for asthma, ischaemic heart disease or suicide, although the effects of socio-economic status and size of the Aboriginal population remained. The spatial component of this study showed an association between land degradation and human health. These results indicated that such processes are driving the degree of psychological ill-health in these populations, although it remains uncertain whether this 4 is secondary to overall coexisting rural poverty or some other environmental mechanism. To further investigate this complex issue an instrument designed to measure mental health problems in rural communities was developed. Components of the survey included possible triggers for mental health, including environmental factors. The interview was administered in a pilot study through a telephone survey of a small number of farmers in South-Western Australia. Using logistic regression a significant association between the mental health of male farmers and dryland salinity was detected. However, the sample size of the survey was too small to detect any statistically significant associations between dryland salinity and the mental health of women. The results of this study indicate that dryland salinity, as with other examples of ecosystem degradation, is associated with an increased burden of human disease.
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Zhu, Ge. "Understanding utilization of mental health services among Chinese international students." Thesis, Kansas State University, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/2097/32678.
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Master of ScienceJournalism and Mass Communications
Nancy W. Muturi
Background: Depressive and anxiety disorders are common mental health disorders that threaten the well-being of ethnic minorities. Asian international students are suggested experience higher level of depression and anxiety, but less likely to use mental health services than students in general. This study examines factors that motivate and impede Chinese international students from seeking college counseling services from the perspective of health communication. Method: An online, self-administered questionnaire was conducted among a randomized sample of 150 Chinese international students from a Mid-Western university. The questionnaire was structured with key variables derived from the Health Belief Model (HBM) and the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), such as perceived severity, perceived susceptibility, and self-efficacy of using counseling services. Key variables are measured by 5-point Likert scale. Data analysis was conducted with Pearson’s correlation and multiple linear regression. Results: Chinese international students’ counseling seeking behavior is influenced by their perceived self-efficacy and external impediments of using counseling services. Perceived knowledge of mental health disorders and counseling contribute significantly to Chinese international perceived self-efficacy of using counseling services; however, perceived knowledge of the two items are generally low. The adherence of Asian cultural values, especially to collectivism and emotional self-control, contribute significantly to Chinese international students’ negative perceptions of counseling. Conclusion: College counseling services should conduct health communication campaigns that aim at improving Asian international students’ knowledge of depression/anxiety and psychological counseling, in order to encourage them to engage in college counseling system. College counseling services should also enhance the cultural sensitivity of counselors, and provide culture-matched counseling services to Asian international students.
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Zhang, Qiuhong (Holly). "Chinese people and mental health services in Christchurch : provider perspectives." Thesis, University of Canterbury. Health Sciences Centre, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10092/5761.
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The Chinese population in New Zealand has grown rapidly in recent years, and it has become an important component in New Zealand society. In reality, these Chinese people are likely to be under stress in their new lives, and therefore, at high risk of mental health problems. Moreover, evidence shows that Chinese people are the under-users of mental health services, and that mental health issues among the Chinese population tend to be under-recognised, under-reported and untreated. Therefore, the method of descriptive qualitative study was chosen and semi-structured interviews were carried out to describe how health providers perceive and support mental health needs of Chinese patients in Christchurch. Purposive sampling was used to identify potential participants, namely the health providers, who have experience of working with Chinese people‘s mental health issues. They were recruited from a wide range of health services, including general practice, psychiatry, social work, counselling, project leadership, health promotion, different management roles, nutrition, nursing, and Chinese medicine. Data analysis was assisted by the computer software Nvivo 8, with thematic analysis used to identify themes and sub-themes which emerged from the information of the interviews.
From the health providers‘ point of view, migration-related stressors and physical problems all pose risks to Chinese people‘s mental health. Although Chinese clients with mental health problems are not commonly seen in the clinical settings, they do potentially have mental health problems and suffer from these issues, but rarely seek mental health support from mainstream services. The health providers pointed out that although good mental health services and information are offered to local people, the existing health care model and health system do not meet Chinese people‘s mental health needs, due to barriers of language and culture. Under these circumstances, the providers indicated that establishing cultural and linguistic mental health services, and offering education to Chinese people and health providers might be helpful in overcoming cultural barriers, improving low access issues and meeting Chinese people‘s mental health needs. This study also identified a range of mental health problems and some groups among the Chinese population with a high risk of mental health issues, both of which need further investigation.
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Holland, Kate E., and n/a. "Conformity and resistance: Discursive struggles in the Australian mental health field." University of Canberra. Communication, 2007. http://erl.canberra.edu.au./public/adt-AUC20081022.153830.
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This research explores areas of contention in the mental heath field in Australia through a
qualitative analysis of voices and practices that can broadly be seen as talking with and
talking back to psychiatry. The thesis is informed by key shifts in thinking that underpin
postpsychiatry and analyses a set of materials through an interpretive lens of reading
psychiatry against the grain (Bracken & Thomas, 2005; Lewis, 2006). In particular, it
examines a failed ethics application to conduct research with people diagnosed with a mental
illness, an anti-stigma campaign, the practices of some prominent mental health organisations
in Australia, a conversation with two members of an emerging consumer/survivor network in
Australia, and a television documentary and online discussion forum about an antidepressant
medication. The research draws from discourse analytic methods and concepts from social
movement framing research to identify factors shaping conformity and resistance to
psychiatric doxa in the Australian mental health field.
The research identifies the discursive repertoires that characterise the mental health field as a
"game" in which competing perspectives vie for recognition. In relation to research ethics
committees, the thesis argues that deference to clinical expertise is a potential barrier to
cultural studies of psychiatry and a more inclusive agenda in mental heath research and
practice. Some practices for ethics committees to consider when reviewing research that
involves people who may have been diagnosed with a mental illness are proposed. The
research also identifies problematic features of anti-stigma campaigns that direct their efforts
toward protecting and promoting the discourse of biomedical psychiatry. A critique of this
type of campaign is offered in relation to perspectives from postpsychiatry and social
constructionism. On the basis of this research, it is argued that organisations that champion
"mental health literacy" are limited in their ability to give voice to the goals and priorities of
those who are calling for a more open, reflexive and democratic debate in mental health. The
central argument of this thesis is that elevating first-person and postpsychiatry perspectives is
necessary in order to interrogate and address the dominance of the medical model in
psychiatry and its consequences.
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Wong, Andrea N. "The model minority at risk| Barriers to mental health access for Chinese Americans." Thesis, California State University, Long Beach, 2013. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=1524130.
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This thesis examines the role of limited English proficiency (LEP) as a contributing significant barrier to the mental health access for Chinese living in America. The literature purports that language barriers do present significant challenges to providing timely and effective mental health services worldwide. Additionally, studies highlight two reoccurring themes on the mental health of Chinese Americans, including their underutilization of mental health services and the premature termination of treatment in comparison to other nonminority clients. Using the 2009 dataset from the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) 2009 Adult Questionnaire, data was analyzed and it was concluded that a relationship exists between mental health status and language proficiency. Further study is necessary to determine where it may be best for health professionals to invest their efforts in the mental health care of this deserving population. It would behoove organizations, communities, and health care leaders to peer deeper into the interconnected relationship between mental health utilization and language proficiency.
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Li, Selina Miu Ying. "The understandings of mental health issues for British born chinese people." Thesis, University of Leeds, 2010. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.531613.
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Degenhardt, Louisa Psychology Faculty of Science UNSW. "Comorbidity between substance use and mental health in Australia: Relationships of alcohol, tobacco and cannabis use with other substance use and mental disorders." Awarded by:University of New South Wales. School of Psychology, 2001. http://handle.unsw.edu.au/1959.4/18247.
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Research into the comorbidity (or co-occurrence) of mental disorders is a relatively recent phenomenon. Much of this research has been conducted in clinical samples, which are prone to a range of biases that mean that the patterns observed are not representative of the general population. Although population-level research has previously been carried out, this thesis provides the first examination of comorbidity in the Australian population. This thesis examined the comorbidity of substance use and mental disorders among Australian adults. The major empirical work involved an examination of the patterns of homotypic comorbidity (other substance use disorders) and heterotypic comorbidity (mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and psychosis) of alcohol, tobacco and cannabis in the 1997 Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Well-Being (NSMHWB). These drugs were chosen as they are the most commonly used psychoactive substances in the Australian population. The NSMHWB involved a structured diagnostic interview of mental disorders with a representative sample of Australian adults. Three questions were addressed using this data: (1) What patterns of comorbidity exist between tobacco, alcohol and cannabis use, and other substance use and mental disorders?; (2) Are these patterns of comorbidity explained by common factors?; and (3) Does comorbidity affect the likelihood that mental health treatment has been sought? Similar patterns of homotypic comorbidity were observed for all three substances, and they were not explained by the other factors examined (gender, age, education, relationship status, employment and neuroticism). Cannabis dependence was the most strongly associated with other substance use disorders. Heterotypic comorbidity differed between alcohol, tobacco and cannabis use. Tobacco use predicted increased rates of all three groups of mental disorders (mood, anxiety and psychotic disorders). In the case of alcohol, only alcohol dependence was related to increased rates of all groups of mental disorders; alcohol use and abuse were not associated with heterotypic comorbidity. Any level of cannabis involvement was related to a similarly increased risk of mood and anxiety disorders. Cannabis use was linearly related to the risk of screening positively for psychosis. Common factors did not change the patterns of heterotypic comorbidity of tobacco and alcohol use. However, alcohol, tobacco and other drug use appeared to explain the higher rates of mood and anxiety disorders among cannabis users. Treatment seeking was much more likely among alcohol, tobacco and cannabis users when they had comorbid mental disorders. It was moderately increased when they had comorbid substance use disorders. The second piece of empirical work provided a more detailed examination of comorbid substance use problems among persons with psychosis. This topic was selected due to the limited epidemiological research on this issue, and the relatively large burden of disability that psychosis places upon the individual and the community. NSMHWB data were used to examine the prevalence of comorbid substance use disorders among persons who were likely to have met criteria for psychosis (as assessed by a screener used in the NSMHWB). Multiple regression analyses were used to test possible explanations for the higher rates of substance use disorders observed among persons reporting higher numbers of psychotic symptoms. The odds of alcohol dependence and regular tobacco use increased 1.5 times, and the odds of cannabis dependence increased twice, with each additional psychotic symptom reported, after adjusting for other substance use disorders, other mental disorders and demographic characteristics. Given the debate about the reasons for the association between cannabis use and psychosis, the final study used mathematical modelling to test four hypotheses about relationships between cannabis use and psychosis. Specifically, it examined trends in psychosis that would be predicted given the marked increases in the prevalence of cannabis use that have occurred in Australia over the past thirty years. The results suggested that a causal relationship - in which cannabis use caused psychosis among persons who would not otherwise have developed the disorder - is unlikely to explain the association. There was a better fit to the data provided by the other hypotheses examined, namely, that (a) cannabis use precipitates psychosis among vulnerable individuals; (b) cannabis use increases the risk of relapse among persons with psychosis; and (c) persons with psychosis are more likely to become regular cannabis users (without any effect upon the disorder). This thesis has demonstrated that in Australian adults there is significant comorbidity between alcohol, tobacco and cannabis use and other substance use and mental disorders. These patterns differ across the three substances. Some types of heterotypic comorbidity (e.g. between cannabis use and mood/anxiety disorders) are explained by common factors. The limited range of common factors tested here did not explain homotypic comorbidity. This thesis also suggested that mathematical modelling is a useful approach to consider when examining the plausibility of different relationships between risk factors and mental disorders. A number of hypotheses regarding comorbidity could not be tested using NSMHWB data, such as common genetic and other environmental factors. These can best be tested in research with samples of twins, and using longitudinal designs that assess a wide range of social and environmental factors. The findings of this thesis also have implications for treatment, because persons with comorbid disorders are more likely to seek treatment. There is an absence of validated treatments for persons with comorbid substance use and mental disorders, and more research is needed on this issue.
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Chan, Lung-fai, and 陳龍輝. "Mental health of Chinese spousal caregivers of frail elderly: the role of the traditional Chinese familyvalues." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2007. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B38482034.
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Wyder, Marianne, University of Western Sydney, College of Social and Health Sciences, and School of Applied Social and Human Sciences. "Understanding deliberate self harm : an enquiry into attempted suicide." THESIS_CSHS_ASH_Wyder_M.xml, 2004. http://handle.uws.edu.au:8081/1959.7/644.
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This study focused on the quantitative and qualitative aspects of suicidal behaviour of 90 people who had come to the attention of the Accident and Emergency Department of Westmead Hospital, Sydney, N.S.W., after an attempt to harm themselves. The risk factors identified in the study were combined with the circumstances and motive of attempt. Participants were regrouped according to whether the problems the respondent described were chronic (longstanding) or acute (pivotal). The participants were further classified according to the persistence of thoughts of self-harm ( impulsive or non-impulsive/deliberate) and the presence or absence of these feelings at the time of the interview (the resolution of the attempt) and the types of problems/situations and triggering events the person described as wanting to escape. By developing strategies and treatments for the problems as they were identified in this study and by raising the awareness that there is help available for these different issues, we may be able to reduce the pain which results in an attempt to self harm.Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
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Xin, Chen. "Communicating Emotion Management: Improving Mental Health Self-care for Chinese Emerging Adults." University of Cincinnati / OhioLINK, 2020. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1595499387373559.
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Hauraki, Jennifer. "A model minority?: Chinese youth and mental health services in New Zealand." Thesis, University of Auckland, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/2292/1876.
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The 'model minority' label given to Chinese populations in New Zealand and other Western countries have made it difficult to truly comprehend the difficulties faced by some Chinese ethnic minorities. Despite comparable rates and types of mental health problems to their European counterparts, identifiable barriers have led to Chinese ethnic minorities underutilising mental health services. The present study investigated the mental health service utilisation in native- and foreign-born Chinese youth in New Zealand, paying particular attention to barriers to service utilisation and viable solutions for these difficulties. It consisted of three individual projects and explored the views of Chinese community and mental health professionals and Chinese university students, comparing their perspectives to university students of other ethnicities. Findings showed that despite a willingness to seek help from their family and mental health professionals (e.g., psychologists, school counsellors), respondents identified a myriad of obstacles to the help seeking of Chinese youth. These included physical barriers (e.g., financial and transport constraints), personal barriers (e.g., stigma, problems accepting their difficulties), service barriers (e.g., paucity of knowledge regarding mental health problems and available services) and family barriers (e.g., obstruction from family members). Family and service barriers distinguished the difficulties faced by Chinese in comparison to European youth, particularly with regards to the adherence of professionals to stereotypes of Chinese youth, a unique finding of this study. In order to reduce such barriers, the Chinese university students and professionals advocated for greater education regarding mental health problems and services in the Chinese community, education for Chinese parents regarding adolescent issues, an increase in the number of practicing Chinese professionals that is coupled with improved cross-cultural training for non-Chinese professionals, as well as individual assessment and treatment approaches with Chinese youth and their families.Whole document restricted, but available by request, use the feedback form to request access.
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Galligan, Patrick Kenneth. "Male Chinese international students' utilization of and barriers to mental health resources." Diss., University of Iowa, 2016. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/2078.
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The number of Chinese international students obtaining their education at American institutions of higher education has reached a pinnacle, in that more Chinese international students attend American colleges and universities than ever before (Institute of International Education, 2015). Colleges and universities actively recruit Asian international students, especially those from the People’s Republic of China. As Chinese international students continue to represent an ever-greater percentage of the student bodies at colleges and universities, these institutions have a responsibility to attend to the mental health needs of this population. Within this population, research suggests that male Asian international students hold less positive attitudes toward seeking help than their female peers (Komiya & Eells, 2001). Since the participants in this study represent an intersection of identities, the extant research from several populations will be reviewed. Specifically, literature examining college students’, college men’s, racial minorities’, and international students’ mental health needs, attitudes towards mental health resources, and help-seeking behaviors will be discussed. The literature review will also build a case for examining male Chinese international students’ mental health needs.
The goal of this study is to provide greater insight into how male Chinese international students perceive mental health resources. The current study utilized Consensual Qualitative Research (Hill, 2012; Hill et al. 2005; Hill et al., 1997) to examine male Chinese international students’ experiences as international students, their adjustment to American culture, their mental health needs, their perceptions of mental health resources, and their help-seeking behaviors. Results indicated that participants struggled with a number of aspects of their experience as international students, specifically the adjustment to a new language, academic challenges, difficulty with isolation, and professional dilemmas. Participants also identified positive aspects of their experiences as international students including but not limited to making friends and academic successes. Participants revealed copious challenges within their adjustment to American culture. The majority of participants reported that they enjoyed the cultural differences, although participants often noted their dislike of American culture and their preference for Chinese culture. Participants also discussed perceived discrepancies in cultural norms between American culture and Chinese culture. The majority of participants in this study had never sought psychological counseling before. The results indicated that participants were aware of a number of barriers to seeking counseling including the lack of need for counseling, the desire to manage their concerns by themselves, the fear of judgment or stigma from seeking help, the perception that counseling is not helpful, and that other resources were preferred. Participants also identified several potential reasons for seeking help including relationship difficulties, academic challenges, and severe mental health needs. The findings of this study also point to several ways in which participants felt masculinity could impact their perceptions of counseling. Although many participants did not feel that masculinity impacted help-seeking behaviors or perceptions of counseling, participants acknowledged that masculine norms like the need to handle problems alone or not wanting to seem weak or emotional could impact their perceptions of counseling. Participants also identified a number of differences between counseling in the United States versus counseling in China. Results indicated that participants viewed counseling as more developed, professional, effective, and trustworthy in the United States. Lastly, participants shared their opinions about mental health concerns. Some participants identified mental health concerns as important, while others felt that they were not important or were perhaps less important than concerns like physical health. The author identifies practical applications for mental health professionals working with international students, aspiring to provide more culturally-sensitive services to male Chinese international students. Limitations of this study and suggestions for future research are provided.
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Chan, Lung-fai. "Mental health of Chinese spousal caregivers of frail elderly : the role of the traditional Chinese family values /." View the Table of Contents & Abstract, 2007. http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/hkuto/record/B38165727.
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Fenton, Sarah-Jane Hannah. "Mental health service delivery for adolescents and young people : a comparative study between Australia and the UK." Thesis, University of Birmingham, 2016. http://etheses.bham.ac.uk//id/eprint/7111/.
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This thesis explores policy and service delivery for adolescent and young adult or ‘transition age’ mental health service users aged 16-25 across different jurisdictions in the UK and Australia. The study explores the implications that policy formulation and implementation have for service delivery in these different contextual settings; and examines how young people (who are at a vulnerable stage developmentally in terms of mental health), have their access to services affected by the existing policy framework. A policy analysis was conducted along with qualitative interviews in six case sites (three in the UK and three in Australia). The thesis adopted a critical realist approach using a laminated cross-sectional interview strategy that was developed to include interviews with national policy makers; local policy makers and service managers; staff working within services; and the young people whom were accessing services as the recipients of policy. Findings from this thesis explore how young people use risk escalation as a way of managing delays to treatment and how practitioners identify particular difficulties for young people transitioning in services when they are due to ‘step up’ into more acute services, or ‘step down’ to a less intensive service. The thesis explores the implications and unintended consequences for young people of policy including processes of ‘cost-shunting’ and ‘resource envy’ at local and national levels. Finally, the thesis offers some learning for systems working to support 16-25 year olds through demonstrating the importance of the dual role of ‘curing’ and ‘caring’ in mental health services.
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Lai, Grace Ying Chi. "Stigma Experience among Chinese American Immigrants with Schizophrenia." Thesis, New York University, 2018. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10688783.
Full textAbstract:
Stigma has profound consequences on individuals with mental illness, specifically schizophrenia. Individuals who suffer from internalized stigma further struggle with self-esteem, quality of life, and their recovery from mental illness. To avoid rejection and being the target of discrimination, these individuals often practice coping strategies such as secrecy and withdrawal. However, these coping strategies can eventually lead to poor self-image, restricted opportunities in life, and other negative outcomes. Cultural beliefs relating to the concept of face and Confucianism further exacerbate the effects of stigma among Chinese American individuals who suffer from mental illnesses.
This study examined the experiences of stigma and coping strategies used by Chinese Americans with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. The associations between internalized stigma, experienced stigma, loss of face, and coping strategies were also analyzed. Unlike previous studies, this study found that internalized and experienced stigma were not associated with coping strategies used by the Chinese American participants; instead, the cultural construct of loss of face was associated with secrecy as a coping strategy. This study calls for further research on the effects of this cultural construct on one’s recovery.
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Chen, Yang, Liang Wang, Maosun Fu, Jie Wang, Arsham Alamian, and Marc Jr Stevens. "Risk Factors of Mental Health Disorder among Chinese Women in Third Trimester of Pregnancy." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2013. https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-works/1401.
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Mental health disorder is the leading cause of disease burden in women worldwide. Pregnant women with mental disorder are especially at risk of having offspring with adverse outcomes. This study aimed to investigate risk factors of mental health disorder among Chinese pregnant women in the third trimester. A total of 462 pregnant women in their third trimester completed interviews at three hospitals in Shandong Province, China from July to December, 2010. The Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R) was used to evaluate mental health disorder, and was defined as total score ≥160, or scores of any symptom dimensions ≥3, or total of positive symptoms ≥43. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine the risk factors of mental health disorder, and to adjust for covariates. The total score and scores of somatization, obsessive-compulsive, anxiety, and phobic anxiety were higher than corresponding national norm by SCL-90-R assessment (all p<0.05). Multiple logistic regression showed family income, relationship with parents-in-law, concerns about child's health, fear of delivery, and pregnancy complications were negatively associated with mental health disorder (all p<0.05). More specifically, relationship with parents-in-law, fear of delivery, preference on mode of delivery (Caesarean section), and body image concerns were positively associated with anxiety (all p<0.05); Fear of delivery was positively associated with depression (p=0.023). Family income, relationship with parents-in-law, concern about child's health, fear of delivery, and pregnancy complications were identified as potential risk factors of mental health disorder in this Chinese pregnant women population. Strategies to reduce mental health disorder are needed among Chinese pregnant women.
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Hillers-Chen, Annette. "High hopes on China's young elite do social expectations influence Chinese students' mental health?" Marburg Tectum-Verl, 2009. http://d-nb.info/995017859/04.
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Yin, Y. "Cultural perspectives of mental health beliefs and treatment expectations within the Chinese immigrant community." Thesis, City, University of London, 2016. http://openaccess.city.ac.uk/16160/.
Full textAbstract:
This research study explores the mental health beliefs and mental health treatment expectations in the context of cultural perspectives within the Chinese immigrant community in the UK. Using a constructivist grounded theory methodology, intensive interviews were used to collect data from twelve participants. The participants were all first generation Chinese immigrants who had experience of using mental health services in the United Kingdom within the previous five years. The data analysis resulted in the emergence of four categories: experiences in the context of cultural perspectives, changing mental health beliefs, evaluations of the service and a review of treatment expectations. Category one accounts for the ways in which participants construct and perceive the meanings of their experiences, viewpoints, emotions and attitudes in relation to Chinese cultural perspectives surrounding the subject of mental health. Category two explores the way that initial mental health beliefs are changed by the experiences individuals have while accessing mental health services. Category three sheds light on how the mental health service is evaluated by the individual. Category four considers treatment expectations for the current mental health service. In examining all the above categories, a layered interrelationship emerges which contributes to the construction of the theoretical model. This study suggests a theoretical model that allows the understanding of mental health beliefs and mental health treatment expectations in the context of cultural perspectives within the Chinese immigrant community. The current literature indicates that Chinese immigrants and their mental health needs have received little attention to date. The theoretical model presented here offers a novel framework that accounts for a multiplicity of aspects that are pertinent to the construction of mental health beliefs and treatment expectations in the context of Chinese cultural perspectives for the studied population. The insight gained can be utilised by counselling psychologists as a guide to assist in working with Chinese clients and providing a culturally appropriate and competent service. Furthermore, learning can also be gained from elements of traditional Chinese philosophy to inform and inspire counselling psychologists in the UK.
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Choi, Pui-hang, and 蔡沛恆. "Health-related quality of life and mental health of Chinese primary care patients with lower urinary tract symptoms." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10722/206726.
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Haught, Heather Michelle. "Effects of Acculturation and Prejudice on Mental and Physical Health Outcomes in Rural Chinese Sojourners." Marietta College Honors Theses / OhioLINK, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=marhonors1303917417.
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Steel, Zachary Psychiatry Faculty of Medicine UNSW. "Mental disorder amongst people of Vietnamese background: prevalence, trauma and culture." Publisher:University of New South Wales. Psychiatry, 2008. http://handle.unsw.edu.au/1959.4/40888.
Full textAbstract:
The role that culture and trauma plays in shaping mental health outcomes continues to dominate debate in the field of transcultural and post-conflict mental health. The broad aim of this thesis is to investigate key issues relevant to these two factors in relation to the Vietnamese. A meta-analysis of international epidemiological research indicated that countries of North and South East Asia appear to manifest low rates of mental disorder compared to English-speaking countries. A meta-regression analysis of research undertaken specifically with refugee and conflict-affected populations, confirmed a robust association between torture and general trauma and risk to mental disorder. The thesis then examines data from three population-based mental health surveys: 1,161 Vietnamese-Australian residents in the state of New South Wales; 3,039 Vietnamese resident in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam; and 7,961 Australian-born persons drawn from a national survey. All surveys applied the Composite International Diagnostic Interview, with the Vietnamese surveys also applying the Phan Vietnamese Psychiatric Rating Scale, an indigenously-derived measure of mental disorder. The ICD-10 classification system yielded lowest rates amongst Vietnamese in the Mekong Delta, intermediate amongst Vietnamese in NSW; and highest rates amongst the Australian-born population. The Phan Vietnamese Psychiatric Rating Scale added a substantial number of cases in both Vietnamese samples. The findings suggest that sole reliance on a western-derived measure of mental disorder may fail to identify a cases of mental disorder across cultures. Trauma remained a substantial risk factor for mental disorder amongst Australian Vietnamese accounting for a substantial portion of the total burden of mental disorder in that population. The implications of these findings in developing a more refined model for understanding the mental health consequences of mass trauma across cultures are discussed.
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Mostafanejad, Karola. "Young adults' experience of living with a mental illness in rural Western Australia : a grounded theory approach /." Curtin University of Technology, School of Nursing and Midwifery, 2005. http://espace.library.curtin.edu.au:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=16160.
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It is estimated that one in five Australians are affected by a mental disorder, and the associated burden of living with a mental illness will become one of the greatest health care issues during the next 20 years. Since the 1960s, the care of people with mental disorders has been transferred to community settings including to rural areas of Australia through the process of deinstitutionalisation. However, research on young adults living with a mental illness in rural communities is limited, and the multidimensional experience of this group of young adults has not been previously explored. This study, guided by grounded theory methodology, explored young adults' experience of living with a mental illness in rural Western Australia. This thesis presents the findings of interviews with nine participants aged between 18 and 30 and places the findings within the context of relevant scientific literature. The constant comparative method used in grounded theory analysis identified that the basic social psychological problem experienced by all participants was "being shut out". The problem of being shut out consisted of two aspects: "being excluded" and "withdrawing from society". In order to manage the problem of being shut out, participants engaged in the basic social psychological process of "seeking normality". In seeking normality participants moved from a state of being shut out to one whereby they sought to take part in ordinary social activities taken for granted by other members of society. The process of seeking normality consisted of three phases: "floundering", "taking charge", and "moving forward. Phase one of the process occurred primarily in the period prior to experiencing a turning point, which changed the participants' willingness to take control of their life and to take effective steps in reducing their isolation.Participants' experience of being shut out was not related to the duration of their illness but to their experience of seeking normality and the three conditions identified as influencing that experience. The findings, while supporting existing scientific literature, also present a new insight into young adults' experience of living with a mental illness in rural Western Australia. The findings of this study highlight the importance of health professionals' understanding young adults' experience of being shut out and to incorporate the increased knowledge and understanding into their clinical practice. Finally, the findings have implications on public education, healthcare services and healthcare policy in relation to young adults living with a mental illness.
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Saadat, Mehr Farzaneh. "Addressing Factors Related to Depression and Mental Health in Elderly Chinese Immigrant Women in Ontario." Thèse, Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10393/23621.
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This is a qualitative research centred on factors related to depressing and mental health among elderly Chinese immigrant women living in Ontario, Canada. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to examine those social factors that affect or contribute to depression or other forms of mental illness among elderly Chinese immigrant women. Qualitative content analysis was used. Reports of organisations concerned with elderly Chinese immigrants, qualitative research articles on elderly Chinese immigrant women, and government reports and publications were analysed based on their content. From the data, three main categories were developed. These are pre-migration, settlement experiences and health promotion. Some of the themes or sub –categories under these three main categories include the following: separation, isolation and loneliness, family and economic dependence, communication barriers, physical and psychological illness, transportation and food challenges, and empowerment. These themes or sub-categories were presented alongside the general conditions affecting elderly immigrant women as reported by other literature. From these findings several recommendations with regards to feminist health promotion were discussed. These include empowerment, making health social support accessible, family connectedness and others.
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Song, Zhi Ying. "Relations between optimism, stress and health in Chinese and American students." Diss., The University of Arizona, 2003. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/280388.
Full textAbstract:
Previous research indicates that optimism may have considerable positive effects on mental and physical health. However, only a few previous studies have explored differential effects of optimism on health and none have examined the effects of different levels of optimism. This study supports the importance of optimism on health in a sample of 238 Chinese college students and 206 American college students. Comparative results indicated that there were significant differences on measures of two levels of optimism, pessimism, and indicators of health. In general, American students were found to express more dispositional optimistic belief, better mental health, and lower state and trait stress levels than Chinese students. However, there was no difference in the level of explanatory optimism. In addition, there was no significant difference between Chinese subjects' scores of overall health and American students' scores. Chinese students demonstrate a "middle optimism" style. In addition, both optimistic styles in this study were found to be significantly related to stressful states measured by State Anxiety (Y1) Scale and Trait Anxiety Scale (Y2) in Chinese students. In contrast, in American samples, only the dispositional optimism, the big optimism, was found significantly but negatively related to the trait stress. In this study, the association between optimism and health---either little or big optimism---were not different between the two cultures, while the association between optimism and stress was quite different between the two cultures. In the Chinese students, the association between big optimism and stress was stronger than in the American students. Both moderate and mediate models were tested to clarify some of the mechanism among culture, gender, optimism/pessimism, stress and health. Culture was moderating the relation between optimism (big vs. little optimism) and three health components. Gender on the other hand, had no moderating effect in the relationship of big vs. little optimism/pessimism on any health outcomes. The prediction that stress is the moderator in the prediction of optimism on health was not supported in both cultural groups. However, either big or little optimism were found fully mediated by state or trait stress on overall health conditions as well as the physical and mental health, except that the little optimism was not found to be related to mental health. Among the American students, on the other hand, optimism as dominate predictor directly effected reports of health. Stress was not found to be a mediator in the predictive relationship of optimism and health in the American students.
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Lake, Rosalind. "Discrimination against people with mental health problems in the workplace : a comparative analysis." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005712.
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For a long time the rights of disabled persons have been ignored worldwide. A major obstacle faced by disabled persons is discrimination in the workplace. Due to the development of a social approach to disability and the efforts of the Disability Rights Movement, legislation has been passed throughout the world to improve this dire situation. The thesis considers the efficacy of some of these statutes. It is concluded that stigma and negative stereotypes remain a constant hurdle in overcoming discrimination. The forthcoming UN Disability Convention is demonstrative of the recognition of the importance of the needs and rights of disabled people. The convention proposes some innovative measures to overcome stigma and stereotyping. Mental health problems constitute one of the leading causes of disability. The thesis explores how people with mental health problems fit within the concept of people with disabilities and whether they are included in anti-discrimination legislation and affirmative action measures. Special attention is given to statutory definitions of disability, the different forms of discrimination and the concept of reasonable accommodation. A comparative approach is taken to analyse how South Africa's disability law measures up against that of Britain and Australia in terms of its substantive provisions and enforcement thereof. In considering the South African position American and Canadian jurisprudence is consulted in order to aid in interpretation. It is concluded that although South Africa has a comparatively good legislative framework, it is held back by an overly restrictive and medically focused definition of disability. As a result many individuals with mental health difficulties, desirous of obtaining and retaining employment may be excluded from protection against discrimination in the workplace. It is argued that it will be necessary either to amend the Employment Equity Act or for the courts to adhere strictly to the concept of substantive equality in order to ensure that the rights and dignity of people with mental health difficulties are adequately protected.
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Song, Yuqing, and 宋煜青. "Two-year prospective study of the natural course and risk factors of depressive symptoms in Chinese college students." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2009. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B43572042.
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Zhu, Lin. "Depression prevalence, symptom pattern, and mental health service use among Chinese Americans| A quantitative analysis of ethnocultural disparities." Thesis, Temple University, 2017. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10239443.
Full textAbstract:
My dissertation examines the depression prevalence, symptom patterns and dimension, and mental health service use among Chinese Americans. The purpose of this research is to, 1) provide epidemiological data on the prevalence of depression among Chinese Americans, 2) examine sociocultural impacts on the prevalence and specific symptoms patterns of depression, and 3) generate implications for more culturally-sensitive approaches in psychiatric diagnosis and treatment. I use secondary data from the Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiology Studies (CPES). The CPES consists of three nationally representative surveys conducted between 2001 and 2003. Each of three substantive chapters attempts to a set of issues, and together they contribute to the literature on generational differences in mental health status and help-seeking behaviors among Chinese Americans.
The first substantive chapter examines depression prevalence and correlates among different generations of Chinese Americans, using non-Hispanic whites as a comparison group, using weighted multinomial logistic regression. Results of the study indicate that Chinese Americans in general have a lower risk of depression than do non-Hispanic whites. Moreover, the prevalence and correlates of depression do not show a linear trend of difference from first to second to third-or-higher generation Chinese Americans, and then to non-Hispanic whites; rather, the risk of depression and its associated with social relational factors present distinct patterns for first and second generation Chinese Americans, compared to third-or-higher generation Chinese Americans and non-Hispanic whites. Specifically, friend network and extended family network play different roles in their influence on depression risk for different generations of Chinese Americans.
In Chapter Four, I conduct exploratory factor analysis to examine two subgroups of Chinese Americans, the foreign-born and the US-born, and compare them to the non-Hispanic whites. I also conduct weighted binary logistic regression to examine the patterns of depressive symptoms for Chinese Americans (separate by nativity status) and compare the two groups to non-Hispanic whites. I also examine how demographic characteristics and social factors are related to different dimensions of depressive symptoms for each group. I also find very similar factors structures of DSM-IV depressive symptoms among foreign-born Chinese Americans, US-born Chinese Americans, and non-Hispanic whites. For all three groups, suicidal ideation or attempt is a construct that is distinct from the rest of the symptoms items. The three groups have different social correlates, yet there are only minor differences in the social correlates for each one of the four depression dimensions within each group. Chronic physical condition is the most consistently significant predictor, for the negative affect, somatic symptoms, and cognitive symptoms among the two Chinese groups, and for all four dimensions of depression among non-Hispanic whites.
Finally, in Chapter Five, I find significant heterogeneity of exclusive complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use by race/ethnicity and generational status, as well as English proficiency, gender, age, marital status, education, employment status, having insurance, and having any probably psychiatric disorder. Specifically, first generation Chinese immigrants lag behind second, third-or-higher generation Chinese Americans, and non-Hispanic whites in the likelihood of using exclusive CAM services, as well as any services in general. In addition, this chapter finds that exclusive CAM service use was more popular than the use of only conventional Western medicine or a combination of both, among all Chinese Americans except for the second generations. The findings provide a more nuanced understanding of the pattern of mental health service use among Chinese Americans.
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Thielking, Monica, and n/a. "An investigation of attitudes towardss the practice of school-based psychological services." Swinburne University of Technology, 2006. http://adt.lib.swin.edu.au./public/adt-VSWT20060814.091430.
Full textAbstract:
The provision of school based psychological services in Victorian primary and
secondary schools dates back to well before the Second World War. Since then,
however, the activities that make up the role of school psychologists have changed
substantially. School psychologists' roles have become more varied than the original
psychometric focus and reflect a more systemic approach to the conceptualization of
student problems. Within Australia, school psychologists can be found servicing single
or multiple schools in the government, independent and Catholic school sectors,
fulfilling a range of functions and dealing with a diversity of student issues. However,
Australian academic research into the professional practice issues associated with the
provision of school-based psychological services is rare. Therefore, this thesis sought to
investigate a range of professional issues associated with the provision of school-based
psychological services for Victorian school psychologists working in single and
multiple schools in the government and non-government primary and secondary school
sectors. In addition to surveying Victorian school psychologists, principals and teachers
were also surveyed in order to ascertain their attitudes towards school-based
psychological services.
The sample consisted of 81 school psychologists, 21 principals and 86 teachers.
The results revealed that school psychologists participate in a variety of activities,
including a number of activities that reflect a systemic model of service delivery. They
also deal with a broad range of student issues, some of which are quite serious in nature.
However, the study also revealed a number of professional issues that were in need of
improvement. Some of these included a lack of participation in regular supervision for
school psychologists, school psychologists' dissatisfaction with some industrial and
professional conditions associated with their role and differences in attitudes between
psychologists, principals and teachers regarding the activities and responsibilities of
school psychologists. Results from the study provide plausible evidence for the need to
support school psychologists in the valuable work that they do within schools through
improved industrial conditions, appropriate professional development, and regular
supervision. Furthermore the results also reveal a need to educate and participate in
dialogue with the educational community in order to increase understanding of school
psychologists' roles and professional responsibilities.
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Zhu, Lin. "DEPRESSION PREVALENCE, SYMPTOM PATTERN, AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE USE AMONG CHINESE AMERICANS: A QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF ETHNOCULTURAL DISPARITIES." Diss., Temple University Libraries, 2016. http://cdm16002.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p245801coll10/id/421230.
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SociologyPh.D.
My dissertation examines the depression prevalence, symptom patterns and dimension, and mental health service use among Chinese Americans. The purpose of this research is to, 1) provide epidemiological data on the prevalence of depression among Chinese Americans, 2) examine sociocultural impacts on the prevalence and specific symptoms patterns of depression, and 3) generate implications for more culturally-sensitive approaches in psychiatric diagnosis and treatment. I use secondary data from the Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiology Studies (CPES). The CPES consists of three nationally representative surveys conducted between 2001 and 2003. Each of three substantive chapters attempts to a set of issues, and together they contribute to the literature on generational differences in mental health status and help-seeking behaviors among Chinese Americans. The first substantive chapter examines depression prevalence and correlates among different generations of Chinese Americans, using non-Hispanic whites as a comparison group, using weighted multinomial logistic regression. Results of the study indicate that Chinese Americans in general have a lower risk of depression than do non-Hispanic whites. Moreover, the prevalence and correlates of depression do not show a linear trend of difference from first to second to third-or-higher generation Chinese Americans, and then to non-Hispanic whites; rather, the risk of depression and its associated with social relational factors present distinct patterns for first and second generation Chinese Americans, compared to third-or-higher generation Chinese Americans and non-Hispanic whites. Specifically, friend network and extended family network play different roles in their influence on depression risk for different generations of Chinese Americans. In the Chapter Four, I conduct exploratory factor analysis to examine two subgroups of Chinese Americans, the foreign-born and the US-born, and compare them to the non-Hispanic whites. I also conduct weighted binary logistic regression to examine the patterns of depressive symptoms for Chinese Americans (separate by nativity status) and compare the two groups to non-Hispanic whites. I also examine how demographic characteristics and social factors are related to different dimensions of depressive symptoms for each group. I also find very similar factors structures of DSM-IV depressive symptoms among foreign-born Chinese Americans, US-born Chinese Americans, and non-Hispanic whites. For all three groups, suicidal ideation or attempt is a construct that is distinct from the rest of the symptoms items. The three groups have different social correlates, yet there are only minor differences in the social correlates for each one of the four depression dimensions within each group. Chronic physical condition is the most consistently significant predictor, for the negative affect, somatic symptoms, and cognitive symptoms among the two Chinese groups, and for all four dimensions of depression among non-Hispanic whites. Finally, in Chapter Five, I find significant heterogeneity of exclusive complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use by race/ethnicity and generational status, as well as English proficiency, gender, age, marital status, education, employment status, having insurance, and having any probably psychiatric disorder. Specifically, first generation Chinese immigrants lag behind second, third-or-higher generation Chinese Americans, and non-Hispanic whites in the likelihood of using exclusive CAM services, as well as any services in general. In addition, this chapter finds that exclusive CAM service use was more popular than the use of only conventional Western medicine or a combination of both, among all Chinese Americans except for the second generations. The findings provide a more nuanced understanding of the pattern of mental health service use among Chinese Americans.
Temple University--Theses
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Tang, Lynn. "Recovery from what to where : a case study of Chinese mental health service users in the UK." Thesis, University of Warwick, 2014. http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/62783/.
Full textAbstract:
This study critically engages with the concept of ‘recovery’ which has become a dominant discursive feature in the UK mental health policies. It asks ‘what people recover from’ through a case study of Chinese mental health service users in the UK. The dominant recovery approach under the dominant neo-liberal context tends to promote individualistic recovery strategies. It fails to address the structural inequalities that give rise to distress and mental ill health or place sufficient emphasis on the diversity of intersectional inequalities among service users that shape recovery journeys. To make visible what recovery means for ethnic minorities, Chinese mental health service users were chosen as the case study to explore how structural factors such as class, gender and ethnicity, contribute to their diverse recovery journeys. A synthesis of the Capabilities Approach and Intersectionality Analysis was developed as an alternative framework to shed light on the complex interplay of structure and agency in shaping recovery journeys. They were adapted as evaluation and analytic tools to reveal the social conditions that facilitate or hinder a meaningful recovery for Chinese mental health service users. Repeat in-depth life history interviews were carried out with twenty two Chinese people having received a psychiatric diagnosis, recruited from three cities in the England. Their recovery journeys were analysed thematically. Findings showed how the participants strove, sometimes cautiously, to retain and exercise agency to move from patienthood to personhood. Their journeys were shaped by social inequalities demonstrating that targeting social inequalities is essential for facilitating and nurturing meaningful recovery. Class, gender, ethnicity, ageism, and other forms of discrimination contributed to the diminishment or deprivation of capabilities, resulting in distress and mental ill health among the Chinese mental health service users in this study. The different ways that these inequalities intersected gave rise to the variations in what they needed to recover from and hence also the directions of their recovery journeys. The process of becoming a psychiatric patient can help develop capabilities for some but it could also result in a diminishment of other capabilities. While striving to rebuild a life they value, ableism and sanism intersect with other inequalities to constrain their life chances. While the way ‘hope’ was ‘adapted’ to limited perceived life chances and dominant ideologies of class, gender, and ethnicity could be capability diminishing and detrimental to nurturing their aspirations.
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Ziaian, Tahereh. "The psychological effects of migration on Persian women immigrants in Australia /." Title page, contents and abstract only, 2000. http://web4.library.adelaide.edu.au/theses/09PH/09phz64.pdf.
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Liu, Wendy. "Conceptualizing factors influencing the perception of barriers to mental health treatment and help-seeking behaviors among Chinese Americans." [Ames, Iowa : Iowa State University], 2009. http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&res_dat=xri:pqdiss&rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:1468111.
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Chen, Jou-Chen. "The Implication of Childhood Adultification on the Mental Health of Young Adults Among Chinese and Taiwanese Immigrant Families." Diss., Virginia Tech, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/52040.
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The present study examined the impact of adultification on the mental health of Chinese immigrant young adults. Given the emphasis of Chinese cultural norms on interdependence and filial piety, I also explored whether family obligation attitudes influence how Chinese immigrant young adults perceive adultification experiences. Findings indicated that family obligation attitudes have a moderating effect on adultifcation when adultification plays a mediating role between acculturative stress and psychological distress, and on the well-being of Chinese immigrant young adults. The findings suggested that Chinese immigrant offspring who hold very traditional familial attitudes and are highly committed to family obligations tend to reinforce the effect of acculturative stress on adultification, although acculturative stress did not significantly predict adultification experiences. In addition, the findings also indicated that when adultification experiences were at the highest level, they served to strengthen the effect of acculturative stress on mental health outcomes. According to the study findings, taking the cultural value of the emphasis on Chinese family obligation into consideration when interpreting adultification experiences and its impact on the mental health outcomes among Chinese immigrant young adults is crucial.Ph. D.
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LIU, ZHI. "A Study of the Relationship between Socialization Tactics, Motives to Study and Mental Health in Chinese College Students." Thesis, Linköpings universitet, Hälsa och samhälle, 2012. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-78521.
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College students constitute a particular social group that carries hopes and expectations from both parents and society. However, in recent years there have been reports about increasing problems in many universities in China: students suspension from school, skipping classes, or even committing suicide,. As social isolation, anxiety, fragility etc are possible reasons, the importance of university student’s mental health has been taken seriously more and more. University students’ socialization refers to the process in which college students grow up into independent and mature individuals by learning social and culture knowledge. From social perspective, on one hand, they still need to learn professional knowledge, on the other hand, they have to construct a good philosophy for themselves, a correct world outlook and value conception. This study mainly explores undergraduate students’ mental health in relation to socialization tactics and motives to study. That means that the focus of this survey is not on the degree of socialization, but on the tactic the students have chosen to get into the university society. In this study totally 120 students were examined via two questionnaires, the University Personality Inventory(UPI) introduced from Japan, and the combined Motives to Study and Socialization Tactics questionnaire from Israel. Both of them passed homogeneity testing. The 120 students were from four universities, two located in Hangzhou city and two in Beijing. Statistical analysis including correlation analysis, multiple regression and t-test, showed that motives to study had little to do with students’ mental health, while scholastic and collegiate socialization tactics were associated with good mental health of the students. There was no big difference in study motives and socialization tactics between the male and the female students in this study.
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Li, Longwei. "A Study on International Cultural Sensitivity: How to Eliminate Barriers of Chinese International Students at DAAP to Access Better Mental Healthcare." University of Cincinnati / OhioLINK, 2019. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin156199649507075.
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Wang, Kristen K. "Intergenerational Acculturation and Values in Chinese American Families: An Integrative Artistic Narrative Exploration." Digital Commons at Loyola Marymount University and Loyola Law School, 2011. https://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/etd/79.
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The main purpose of this qualitative research study is to explore first- and second-generation Chinese American’s immigration and acculturation experiences using semi-structured narrative interviews, inviting participants to engage in further exploration incorporating art making, a non- verbal method of expression. The research was designed to gain a greater understanding of Chinese Americans’ views and understandings of self, the experience and impact of cultural values on individuals and families, and to understand the role of communication and verbal and non-verbal modes of expression for this population. The findings are intended to potentially aid professionals working with this population: to promote greater awareness, understanding, and sensitivity to concerns of particular relevance, such as understanding the place of self-expression and expression of emotion, both verbal and non-verbal modes, and the role of value systems including traditional Chinese values, such as filial piety, interdependence and harmony, shame and face-saving reactions, and emphasis on achievement, especially in the context of family. Additionally this study contributes to the field of art therapy by exploring cultural and intergenerational considerations and the use of art in therapy with Chinese Americans.
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Liu, Liping. "Chinese migrant workers and mental health: a systematic review and examination of the role of multimodal connectedness, mobile communication, and network ties." HKBU Institutional Repository, 2018. https://repository.hkbu.edu.hk/etd_oa/522.
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The first part of this dissertation systematically and comprehensively reviews the literature to understand what is and is not known about Chinese internal migration and mental health. By identifying the research gaps, the second part of this dissertation extends previous research by offering an integrative perspective that articulates how multimodal connectedness by diverse media forms influence one's personal networks, and thus their social capital, social support, and life satisfaction and positive mental health as two subjective well-being outcomes. The theory of media multiplexity (Haythornthwaite, 2005) was employed to explain the relations between Chinese internal migrant workers' diverse media use and their personal ties linked. Media multiplexity advocates that strong ties tend to use diverse media forms to sustain the deep levels of mutual dependency, while only one or two media were employed in the communication of weak ties. However, there is still a dearth of studies investigating Chinese migrant workers' diverse media use to establish and maintain their social ties. In this dissertation, the theory of media multiplexity was advanced with the consideration of the diverse media values in particular Chinese social context within the Chinese migrant worker population. The traditional perspective of media multiplexity theory emphasizes the positive relationship of the media use number and tie strength. In this dissertation I argue that both the number and value of different media forms should be considered to understand the nexus the migrant workers' multiplex media use to interact with different social ties. Moreover, this study also first time investigated the personal networks of Chinese migrant workers and how their personal networks function influences their mental health.
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Ibell, Bernadette Mary, and res cand@acu edu au. "An Analysis of Mental Health Care in Australia From a Social Justice and Human Rights Perspective, With Special Reference to the Influences of England and the United States of America: 1800-2004." Australian Catholic University. School of Philosophy, 2004. http://dlibrary.acu.edu.au/digitaltheses/public/adt-acuvp113.25102006.
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The aim of this thesis is to analyze mental health care in Australia from a social justice and human rights perspective, in order to demonstrate that social justice as a philosophical manifestation of justice and fairness, is an essential ingredient in the theory and practice of mental health care. It is contended that the needs of the mentally ill would be most appropriately answered by the utilization of a Natural Law model, based on Finnis’s Natural Law theory. The Scope of the Thesis.The needs and care of the mentally ill are discussed, together with the treatment meted out to these vulnerable members of society since, approximately, the year 1800. Neither the criminally insane, nor the intellectually disabled are included in this discourse. Each group of people merits a thesis on its own: criminal insanity requires a debate to include the history, psychiatric and legal approaches to the subject, and current management of the insane. The intellectually disabled are not mentally ill; their ability to function as all round, naturally competent individuals is diminished by an inadequacy and/or impairment of their intellectual capacities. The needs of these two groups are far too broad and demanding to be included within the current thesis. Rationale for the Timeframe The timeframe, 1800 until 2004, has been established because it approximates to the transition from the end of the Classical through the Modern Age to the Post Modern Age, together with the predominance of Enlightenment philosophical theories, and the development of a scientific approach to medicine. Further, many politico-economic and social changes were taking place, associated with the Industrial Revolution. All are shown to have affected the introduction of asylumdom, and the institutionalization of those unable to participate actively in the industrial workforce. Of significant importance to the development of institutionalization for such marginal groups is the philosophy of Jeremy Bentham. Bentham espoused Classical Utilitarianism which will be shown to believe that the ultimate standard of utility is not the individual’s happiness but the greatest amount of happiness altogether. The thesis will demonstrate that this philosophical view prevailed from the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, with Benthamism influencing the sequestration of the unemployable into institutional life. Development of the Thesis.The thesis is developed against a background of prevailing philosophical, and other changes as stated above, including the medicalization of mental illness and the development of psychiatry as a branch of medicine. There is manifestation of many social injustices to those incarcerated in the asylum in all three countries under consideration: England, USA, and Australia. It is demonstrated that social justice and human rights of their work forces were disregarded by many employers at the time of the Industrial Revolution. Such values were, therefore, unlikely to prevail with regard to the mentally ill. Asylumdom continued with few changes in its practices until after World War II. It is shown that the predominance of post Enlightenment theories, together with further politico-economic, social and pharmaceutical revolutionary change followed the Second World War. Encouraged also by the founding of the United Nations and World Health Organizations as well as provision of the Declaration of Human Rights, circumstances led to the process of de-institutionalization of the mentally ill. The latter were decanted with apparently unseemly haste into a community ill prepared for such a change, and with little evidence of infra- structure to support the move. Need to conduct a National Inquiry. There was, then, a need to investigate what was now an overt issue of mental health care. The two subsequent inquiries by the Australian Health Ministers Advisory Council, (AHMAC) and the Burdekin Report, both focused on social justice issues, and addressed epidemiological, economic, sociological and justice considerations. Within the thesis, both investigations are critiqued against a Natural Law model, using Finnis’s Natural Law theory. It is demonstrated that contrary to Enlightenment principles of social justice as described by Miller, such a theory is eminently practical, and answers the needs of all members of the community, providing not merely ‘the greatest happiness for the greatest number’ but the common good of all Conclusion. Evidence shows that such a Natural Law theory is required to give a firm foundation to the needs of the mentally ill, especially at a time when relativism, economic rationalism and negative aspects of globalization prevail. Without such a basis the mentally ill are left insecure, uncertain and adrift in a world uncaring of their plight, while all the earnest exhortations espoused by Reports remain platitudes, subject to the whims of whatever government is in power. Our responsibilities to all our fellow human beings demand better from us than this.
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Penrose-Wall, Jonine Public Health & Community Medicine Faculty of Medicine UNSW. "Evaluating five models of dissemination of NHMRC 'Guideline depression in young people for GP's' through divisions of general practice." Awarded by:University of New South Wales. School of Public Health and Community Medicine, 2003. http://handle.unsw.edu.au/1959.4/20445.
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Background: Dissemination of evidence-based mental health clinical practice guidelines had not been studied in Australia prior to the National General Practice Guideline Implementation Program. This naturalistic research reports ten national interventions designed to disseminate the NHMRC 1997 Clinical Practice Guideline Depression in Young People for GPs (GDIYP-GP) through 123 Divisions of General Practice. The guideline covered depression and suicide in young people aged 13 to 20 years. Aim: To evaluate a 'coordinated link agent' and 'enhanced packaged approach' for disseminating a national guideline by engaging 20 Divisions in using 5 dissemination models and to measure Divisions' capacities in performing unfunded local dissemination to GPs. Method: An Implementation Kit was the main national intervention, housing the guidelines and 5 models: Education by the Division; Education by an external provider; 3) Clinical Audit; 4) Segmented Formats and 5) Appraisal. Five studies are reported: 1) an organisational census on guideline-related practices in all topics; 2) a Case Study Database of 3 consecutive interviews of 51 participating Divisions; 3) a Guideline Appraisal study of 9 cohorts of doctors; 4) a Clinical Audit study of 54 doctors involving 1200 patients; and 5) a 'Segmented Formats' documentary analysis of Division communications on GDIYP-GP. Results: Prior dissemination by most Divisions was administrative mail outs rather than planned programs. In all, 70 instead of the pilot 20 organisations participated (57% of the sector) using 10,000 guidelines: 45 participated by 7 weeks and 71 by 35 weeks and the majority used multiple active strategies showing fidelity to the Kit. Education by the Division, Segmented Formats and Appraisal were the most adopted models. GDIYP-GP was acceptable and relevant to the majority of Divisions and to 9 samples of doctors. Conclusion: Divisions are one appropriate system through which evidence-based mental health guidelines can be disseminated to general practitioners. Uptake can be rapid using a flexible enhanced package approach with link-agent support. 3-6 months is needed for organisations to begin effective interventions. Divisions reorient their approach with guidance toward evidence-based dissemination but Division and practice barriers
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Chan, WeiKi Elsie. "The successful journey of finding "home" in a foreign land| An integrative model from a qualitative study of the lived transitional immigration experience of first-generation adult Chinese Americans." Thesis, California Institute of Integral Studies, 2013. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=3594738.
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This qualitative study explores the lived experiences of Chinese immigrants who have successfully adjusted and resettled in the United States. Immigration and its related processes can be stressful and traumatic; migration entails challenges affecting one's sense of personal identity and psychological well-being. This study represents an attempt to obtain a deeper understanding of immigration's challenges, the psychological coping mechanisms used to meet those challenges, and the factors that contribute to successful adjustment and resettlement in the United States.
Participants were recruited through the researcher's social and professional network, using snowball sampling. Data were obtained from semi-structured interviews with 11 adult immigrants of Chinese descent who (a) immigrated to the United States more than five years prior to the study, (b) self-identified as having adjusted well, and (c) reestablished their lives in the United States and viewed it as their "home." Grounded theory-based qualitative analysis was applied to the interview transcripts to identify codes, themes, and categories describing the participants' experiences and psychological processes of immigration and resettlement.
Data analysis produced eight thematic categories. The eight thematic categories identified as helpful toward understanding the complex process that Chinese immigrants undergo during adjustment and successful reestablishment of their lives in the United States were (a) migratory loss and grief; (b) acculturative stress; (c) self-determination in reestablishing "home" in the United States and mastering related challenges; (d) learning new skills and learning about U.S. culture; (e) expanding and making use of interpersonal relationships and support systems; (f) use of emotional-focused coping; (g) maintaining positive attitudes and outlooks; and (h) feeling at "home" and well-adjusted in the United States.
A conceptual model was then developed to describe (a) causal conditions that underlie the development of Chinese immigrants' coping and adjustment strategies, (b) the phenomenon that arose from those conditions, (c) the coping and adjustment strategies employed, (d) contextual and intervening conditions that influenced strategy selection, and (e) the consequences of adopting the chosen strategies. In addition, a "Success of Immigration" scale was used to assess the level of successful adjustment. Clinical implications of the study and suggestions for future research are also discussed
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Guo, Jia. "Longitudinal changes in Chinese adolescent girls' physical growth, social contexts and mental health during the transition from primary to junior high school." Thesis, University of Edinburgh, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/1842/11710.
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This study explores the longitudinal changes among a sample of early adolescent girls in China throughout their transition from primary to junior high school. Early adolescence is a time of multiple transitions and is associated with a range of mental health outcomes in Western literature. This study will be the first to examine developmental changes in early adolescence among Chinese girls. A sample of 425 Chinese girls completed a self‐report questionnaire at three time points: the end of primary school, the start of the first year of junior high, and the end of the first year of junior high. The questionnaire comprised a range of measures relating to bodily changes, puberty, and gender issues, social changes in family, peers and school, and a series of standardised measures of mental health including: life satisfaction, self‐esteem, psychosomatic symptoms, loneliness, anxiety, depression, and coping. Results were analysed using ANOVA to examine longitudinal changes in measures. Following an overview of the interrelations between all the variables in this study using One‐way ANOVA, longitudinal results were reported in three chapters: physical changes, social changes, and mental health. Findings relating to physical growth highlighted the co‐occurrence of pubertal development and school transition. Significant increases in body dissatisfaction and social comparisons of physical appearance were identified, indicating girls’ growing self‐consciousness about their physical changes. Specifically, apart from weight concerns, an interesting finding of this study was that girls in this study reported consistently higher and significantly growing concerns about their height stature. A significant decline in positive feelings of gender typing was also identified. In terms of social development, there were no longitudinal changes in the overall quality of attachment with parents or peers, as well as peer norms, suggesting that although variance exists across individuals, these constructs remained longitudinally stable in this sample. On the other hand, a significant decline was found in parental involvement. In contrast to the negative outcomes reported widely in Western literature following the primary to middle school transition, this study revealed an overall positive school transition experience. To be specific, overall school climate was reported to be more positive in junior high school, girls’ personal goals and school behaviours were improved longitudinally, and school transition problems were significantly smaller than expected prior to the transition. Analysis of developmental changes in mental health revealed no changes in global life satisfaction and depression. However, self‐esteem in general significantly reduced over time; simultaneously and interestingly, psychosomatic health, loneliness, and overall anxiety significantly improved after the transition. Furthermore, longitudinally girls adopted a wider range of coping strategies to deal with stressful events, although both the selection and efficacy evaluation varied across coping strategies among individuals. This study is the first to explore Chinese girls’ development during early adolescence. Developmental trends are established in Chinese adolescent girls’ physical, social, and psychological domains. Despite evidence consistent with the universalities of this life stage as established in Western literature, this study also highlights cultural differences in the developmental experiences of Chinese adolescents. Taken together, the findings reveal a positive developmental phase with little evidence of increases in adaptation difficulties or mental health outcomes. These empirical findings are in contrast to Western research, which often highlights early adolescence as a time of adaptation difficulties. Overall, this study contributes to the literature on adolescent development. The role of culture and implications for future research and practice are also discussed.
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Hou, Wai-kai, and 侯維佳. "Psychosocial resources and adaptation among Chinese people with colorectal cancer." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2008. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B39634346.
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Kendall, Garth Edward. "Children in families in communities : a modified conceptual framework and an analytic strategy for identifying patterns of factors associated with developmental health outcomes in childhood." University of Western Australia. School of Paediatrics and Child Health, 2003. http://theses.library.uwa.edu.au/adt-WU2004.0006.
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Mental health reflects an array of causal influences that span biological, psychological, and social circumstances, with resultant underlying causal pathways to poor mental health outcomes in childhood that are complex. Key features of this complexity are reciprocal interactions between person and environment that take place over time. The core of this thesis seeks to attend to the complexity of development to move the field of developmental health forward toward greater explanation, and more successful prediction and prevention. The focal point of the thesis is the psychosocial determinants of childhood mental health, the resource domain of the developing child, and the interplay between characteristics of the individual child, the family, and the community. The eventual goal is to better understand why and how socioeconomic circumstances impact on developmental health. One component of this thesis focuses on the expansion of extant developmental theory. The other component focuses on the development of an analytic strategy that more appropriately reflects the intricacies of this theoretical expansion. In the process, data are analysed, principally as a heuristic strategy, to illustrate the analytical approach needed to support the theoretical framework. The specification of a bioecological conceptual framework suitable to guide research and policy in developmental health is the first principal objective of the thesis. A critical examination of the resource framework proposed by Brooks-Gunn, Brown, Duncan, and Anderson Moore (1995) reveals it to be centred on family and community resources, but otherwise silent with respect to the physical and psychological resources of the child. The quintessential point of this thesis is that theory in developmental health must be able to account for the contribution individuals make to their own development. A modified resource framework is proposed that acknowledges financial, physical, human, and social capital, within the domains of the individual child, the family, and the community. The second principal objective of the thesis, the development of analytical methods that focus on the individual child and the complexity of data generated by this theoretical approach, is then introduced. Theory and method are thus integrated when comprehensive measures of characteristics in multiple domains across developmental periods are modeled using longitudinal data from the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study (Newnham, Evans, Michael, Stanley, & Landau, 1993). The mothers of 2,860 children were enrolled at 18 weeks in pregnancy and the children have been followed at birth, one, two, three, five, and eight years of age. Eighty-nine per cent (2,537 /2,860) of families were available for follow-up at eight and 74 per cent (2,126/2,860) of families responded. Extensive demographic, psychological, and developmental data were available for the children and their families and a limited amount of data were available for the communities in which they reside. A measure of mental health morbidity, the Child Behaviour Checklist (Achenbach, 1991), was available for the children at two, five, and eight years of age. In the first instance, dichotomous summary variables are derived for the demographic, psychological, and developmental variables of interest. Variables are then selected for inclusion in one of several explanatory models. To create a mathematical representation of resource characteristics, the information for each child is concatenated as a series of binary strings. Frequency tabulation is then used to aggregate the data and odds ratios are calculated to determine the degree of risk associated with each string of code, or pattern of factors relative to a nominated mental health outcome. The results provided a scaffold from which this theoretical and analytical approach is compared and contrasted with the reviewed literature. Two principal themes of investigation are pursued. The first theme to be examined is the interplay between characteristics of the child, family, and community and the contribution children make to their own development. The specific approach models the interaction between selected characteristics of the child, family and community in each of four developmentally significant time periods. The theoretical position adopted in the present study suggests that the effect of any personal or contextual factor on later development, if a relationship does truly exist, is most likely to be differential. That is, it is a combination of influences that determines developmental outcomes for children, not any single factor acting independently. The modelling process demonstrates that, for the children involved, personal and contextual factors impact mental health differentially depending on various other individual, family and/or community characteristics. The modelling process identifies patterns of factors that impact relatively small, but significant, numbers of children because the models focus on the effect for individual children rather than the effect for the group. For example, one model suggests that the effect of intra-uterine growth restriction for the group as a whole may be minimal, but the impact for some children could be critical depending on the combination of family and community influences, such as the mothers level of education, the family’s experience of significant life stress, and residence in a relatively disadvantaged community. The second theme to be examined is the possibility that the accumulation of resource deficits or risk characteristics, over time, amplifies the likelihood of mental health problems in childhood. The approach models selected characteristics of the child in each of the four periods of development collectively, and it also models selected characteristics spanning each of the four time periods discretely. The results suggest that latency, pathway, and recency effects may operate simultaneously, and that timing and accumulated burden may both be important determinants of risk. For example, with regard to children whose family experienced life stress, these three effects operated in a systematic way to increase the degree of risk of a mental health problem. In summary, the aggregation of data at the individual level is a productive approach in seeking to explain population level social phenomena. While seemingly paradoxical, the identification of the joint, interactive effects between individual, family, and community characteristics, better allows for the quantification of family and community characteristics operating through multiple causal pathways.
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Hui, Lin-heung. "A study on the stress and mental health of the adolescents among Hong Kong new arrivals from Mainland China /." Hong Kong : University of Hong Kong, 1997. http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/hkuto/record.jsp?B19470782.
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Yee, Terence. "Examining Help-Seeking Intentions of Chinese Individuals: A Path Analysis." Thesis, University of North Texas, 2017. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc984257/.
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Utilizing the theory of planned behavior, I examined the variables that affect Chinese individuals' help-seeking intention. A total of 251 Chinese individuals participated in this study. Results showed that the variables in the theory of planned behavior accounted for 16% of the variance in help-seeking intention. Specifically, attitude (r = .22, p < .001) and perceived behavioral control (r = .22, p < .001) were found to be significant predictors of help-seeking intention. Based on these results, mental health professionals can design outreach interventions, such as psychoeducational programs, to improve Chinese individuals' help-seeking attitude and perceived behavioral control in an attempt to increase mental health service utilization. Additionally, counselors can discuss with clients' their attitude and perceived behavioral control regarding seeking counseling in an attempt to assist clients in being committed to the counseling process.