Experiences of Fujianese Immigrants
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Running head: EXPERIENCES OF FUJIANESE IMMIGRANTS AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF THE EXPERIENCES OF CHINESE IMMIGRANTS OF FUJIANESE DESCENT IN THE UNITED STATES A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF APPLIED AND PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY OF RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY BY CINDY HSIN-I FENG IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PSYCHOLOGY NEW BRUNSWICK, NEW JERSEY OCTOBER 2016 APPROVED: _______________________ Nancy Boyd-Franklin, Ph.D. ________________________ Brenna H. Bry, Ph.D. DEAN: _______________________ Francine P. Conway, Ph.D. Copyright 2016 by Cindy Feng EXPERIENCES OF FUJIANESE IMMIGRANTS II Abstract This exploratory study investigated the intersection of psychological, legal, cultural, and immigration issues in the acculturation process of Fujianese immigrants in the United States, in order to provide psychologists and other professionals with the knowledge and the insight to work successfully with Fujianese clients. Thirteen Fujianese immigrants participated in interviews discussing different aspects of their psychosocial experiences, and a qualitative analysis of the interviews was conducted using a grounded theory approach (Corbin & Strauss, 2014). Results revealed themes consistent with preexisting literature, including a common belief that coming to the United States is a means to prosperity, freedom, and honor; as well as an awareness that diverse challenges impact Fujianese immigrants’ acculturation. Other key themes highlighted social connection as a source of emotional and pragmatic support; identified living in America as an experience that fostered growth in skills and perspectives; and revealed that stigmatized perceptions of mental health hinder help-seeking behavior. The current study revealed notable gaps in the Fujianese immigrant mental health literature with regard to culturally sensitive therapy when working with the Fujianese, including a lack of attention to themes such as dismantling the stigmatized perception of mental illness, and bridging the barriers between knowledge, access, and service delivery. Implications for future research and clinical practice included designing replication studies that investigate a more diverse spectrum of Fujianese demographics, as well as offering suggestions for ways in which clinicians can implement culturally sensitive interventions. Additionally, suggestions for community mental health programs, psychologists and other clinicians, policymakers, and lawyers included developing community outreach through psychoeducation, EXPERIENCES OF FUJIANESE IMMIGRANTS III collaborating with churches, training attorneys to provide empathic counsel, and advocating for funding to train and recruit more bilingual Fujianese therapists. EXPERIENCES OF FUJIANESE IMMIGRANTS IV Acknowledgements As I approach the end of my training at GSAPP, I am deeply thankful for the inspiring, loving, and supportive people who have made my journey meaningful. First of all, I would like to thank my committee members and mentors who have been tremendously committed to my learning and growth. Dr. Nancy Boyd-Franklin, I am so thankful for your words of encouragement, steadfast guidance, and helpful advice in my dissertation journey. With warmth and kindness, you have helped me reflect on my professional development and navigate complex decisions that reflected my authentic values and professional identity. I would also like to thank Dr. Brenna Bry for her guidance, advice, and support throughout my doctoral training. With caring and wisdom, you have encouraged me to diversify my clinical experiences, find unique directions in my research studies, and create space for self-care. To Dr. Jamie Walkup, thank you for your mentorship, words of wisdom, and dedication to my professional growth. Your integrity, scholarship, and compassion for social justice have inspired my special interest in working with individuals who are struggling with thin threads of hope. To my awesome GSAPP cohort, thank you for your friendships, accountability, sense of humor, and empathy. A special thank you to Traci, for constantly inspiring me with your heart of gold, courage, and counsel. Finally, to my family, thank you for ceaselessly believing in me, rooting for me, and spurring me on in the past five years as I transitioned careers, discovered my calling in psychology, and worked toward numerous milestones. Mom and Dad, thank you for devoting your love and resources to helping me realize my dreams. Hsing, I am lucky to have your support throughout this dissertation journey. Thank you for enriching my life with fun, love, and soulfulness. EXPERIENCES OF FUJIANESE IMMIGRANTS V TABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract ............................................................................................................................... II Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................... IV Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 1 Literature Review ................................................................................................................ 3 The Growing Trend of Fujianese Immigration to the United States ........................................... 3 Salient Factors Stimulating Emigration from Fujian ................................................................... 5 Illegal Immigration and Circuitous Journeys from Fujian to the U.S. ......................................... 7 The Dual Impact of Fujianese Immigration on Immigrant-Sending and Immigrant-Receiving Communities ................................................................................................................................ 8 Immigration and Identity Transformation: Psychosocial Variables Associated with Immigration .................................................................................................................................................... 10 The Impact of Migration and Core Lived Values on Treatment Seeking Behavior Among Fujianese Immigrants ................................................................................................................. 12 Psychological Health, Perceptions of Mental Health Treatment, Barriers to Seeking Help ..... 14 Undocumented Fujianese Parents Raising American-Born Children ........................................ 16 Acculturation and Post-Migration Stress as Experienced by Fujianese Women ....................... 18 Method .............................................................................................................................. 19 Participants ................................................................................................................................. 19 Measures .................................................................................................................................... 21 Procedures .................................................................................................................................. 22 Treatment of the Data ................................................................................................................ 23 Data Analysis ............................................................................................................................. 24 Results ............................................................................................................................... 26 Reflections on the Migration Experience to the United States .................................................. 26 Conceptualization of Social Support, Community Building, and Stigma ................................. 29 Unique Challenges and while Engaging with New Lifestyles and Cultural Norms .................. 34 Conceptualization of core values, self-concepts, and goals ....................................................... 42 Understanding of psychological health, mental health treatment, and barriers to seeking help 46 Discussion ......................................................................................................................... 62 Themes ....................................................................................................................................... 62 Limitations of the Current Study ............................................................................................... 78 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................. 89 References ......................................................................................................................... 91 EXPERIENCES OF FUJIANESE IMMIGRANTS VI Appendix A ....................................................................................................................... 95 Appendix B ....................................................................................................................... 97 Appendix C ..................................................................................................................... 105 Appendix D ..................................................................................................................... 110 EXPERIENCES OF FUJIANESE IMMIGRANTS 1 Introduction Despite the significant growth of the Fujianese immigrant population in the United States (U.S.) over the past two decades, a comprehensive