AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PERCEPTIONS OF PAKISTANI AMERICANS REGARDING WHAT CONSTITUTES A HEALTHY AND PEACEFUL FAMILY Iffat Hussain B.A., University of Karachi, Pakistan, 1982 M.A., University of Karachi, Pakistan, 2000 THESIS Submitted in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK at CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SACRAMENTO SPRING 2011 AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PERCEPTIONS OF PAKISTANI AMERICANS REGARDING WHAT CONSTITUTES A HEALTHY AND PEACEFUL FAMILY A Thesis by Iffat Hussain Approved by: __________________________________, Committee Chair Maura O’Keefe, Ph.D., MSW __________________________________, Second Reader Chrystal Ramirez Barranti, Ph.D., MSW ____________________________ Date ii Student: Iffat Hussain I certify that this student has met the requirements for format contained in the University format manual, and that this thesis is suitable for shelving in the Library and credit is to be awarded for the thesis. __________________________, Graduate Coordinator ___________________ Teiahsha Bankhead, Ph.D., LCSW Date Division of Social Work iii Abstract of AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF KNOWLEDGE,ATTITUDES, AND PERCEPTIONS OF PAKISTANI AMERICANS REGARDING WHAT CONSTITUTES A HEALTHY AND PEACEFUL FAMILY by Iffat Hussain Parallel to the experiences of other migrant communities, Pakistani-Americans continue to deal with post-migration stressors. These stressors affect the overall peace and healthy environment of families. This exploratory study examines the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of Pakistani-Americans in the Sacramento area regarding what constitutes a healthy and peaceful family. Data were obtained through interviews with five Pakistani females and five males, using the snowball sampling method. The findings suggest that stressors for Pakistani-Americans are related to acculturation issues and living in a post- 9/11 environment. Religious belief is the only coping mechanism for this community. Cultural barriers and concerns related to cultural competency of service providers prevent them from seeking mental health services. Recommendations are discussed based on the findings. _______________________, Committee Chair Maura O’Keefe, Ph.D., MSW _______________________ Date iv DEDICATION I dedicate this study to my late father Riaz Khalique Raufi, as I proudly fulfill his dream. v ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Firstly, I would like to thank my Ammi (mother) Dr. Naseem Riaz, whose strong beliefs regarding female empowerment inspired me to finish this program. A very special thanks to my older cousin Zafar Masud who first introduced and envisioned the idea of me achieving a post-baccalaureate degree, at the young age of seven. I thank my husband Asim Hussain, for his unwavering support during my three year journey of social work. Thanks to my courageous son Zohair for being there for me, and allowing me to vent when things got stressful, especially during this past semester. Thanks to my princess and beautiful daughter Khushboo who believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. Thanks to my nephews Haisum and Hatim (more like my own sons) for bringing me books from the UCD library, for returning home during school breaks for home cooked meals and my love (even when I was unavailable). Thanks to my younger siblings, Ishrat, Nikhat, Mohsin and Saroosh for their faith in me, and for being understanding, especially when I forgot to remember their birthdays, and anniversaries. They all knew that regardless of how overwhelmed I was, they all were right here close to my heart. Last but not least thanks to my 8 year old niece Aria, my darling, who was considerate enough to allow me to excuse myself from her ‘Mommy, baby and sister’ game because of my studies. Aria, I am now ready to engage in games. Thanks to Dr. Maura O’Keefe who was always available with her valuable advice, and without whose guidance I would have been unable to graduate on time. Dr. vi O’Keefe, not only supported and reinforced my optimism during this arduous journey, but also counseled me as I needed. I cannot even find words to thank Dr. Chrystal Barranti, she advocated on my behalf and introduced me to Dr. O’Keefe. Dr. Barranti also listened to me when I had personal challenges. She is a true social worker. Thanks to all my Professors, including Dr. Cooper, Dr. Bein, and Dr. Taylor, who have always supported me. A special thanks to the entire social work department, and my colleagues, especially Laurie Thompson for her unconditional support. A very special thanks to David Reynolds from the tutoring center for his constant reviews, feedback, and effort to understand my specific linguistic challenges, which provided me with the confidence to continue with this thesis. Thanks to Whitney Clark from the Student Technology Center/ IRT for her assistance during the formatting process. Finally, I would like to acknowledge the large debt I owe to the Pakistani American community, without whom I would have been unable to complete this thesis. vii TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Dedication ........................................................................................................................... v Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................ vi List of Tables .................................................................................................................... xii Chapter 1. THE PROBLEM ............................................................................................................. 1 Background of the Problem: Anecdote ................................................................... 1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 2 Statement of the Research Problem ........................................................................ 2 Purpose of the Study ............................................................................................... 3 Social Work Implications and Significance of the Study ....................................... 4 Methodology Overview .......................................................................................... 5 Research Question .................................................................................................. 5 Objectives ............................................................................................................... 6 Theoretical Frameworks ......................................................................................... 6 Definition of Key Terms ....................................................................................... 12 Assumptions .......................................................................................................... 13 Limitations ............................................................................................................ 13 Delimitations ......................................................................................................... 14 2. LITERATURE REVIEW ............................................................................................. 15 viii Introduction ........................................................................................................... 15 History of Pakistan ................................................................................................ 15 History and Demographics of Pakistani Immigrants in the United States............ 18 Religious Values of Pakistani American Community .......................................... 21 Cultural Values ..................................................................................................... 24 Family Values ....................................................................................................... 26 Stressors for Pakistani-Americans ........................................................................ 32 Raising Children ................................................................................................... 33 The Process of Assimilation and Acculturation.................................................... 38 Coping Mechanisms, and Attitudes Regarding Seeking Mental Health Services 40 Issues in Seeking Mental Health Services ............................................................ 42 Summary ............................................................................................................... 44 3. METHODOLOGY ....................................................................................................... 45 Research Design.................................................................................................... 45 Research Question ................................................................................................ 45 Sample Population/Participants ............................................................................ 45 Instrumentation ..................................................................................................... 46 Data Collection Method ........................................................................................ 47 Data Analysis ........................................................................................................ 47 Bias and Error ....................................................................................................... 48 Protection of Subjects ..........................................................................................