Investigating Help-Seeking of the Indian Diaspora in the United States
Open Access
- Author:
- Shoemaker, Shannon Michelle
- Graduate Program:
- Counselor Education
- Degree:
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Document Type:
- Dissertation
- Date of Defense:
- March 01, 2016
- Committee Members:
- Jolynn Carney, Dissertation Advisor/Co-Advisor
Richard Hazler, Committee Chair/Co-Chair
Jerry G Trusty, Committee Member
Mari Haneda, Special Member - Keywords:
- India
Bronfenbrenner
post-coloninal
immigrants
culture
counseling
qualitative
diaspora - Abstract:
- The focus of this study was on the Indian diaspora, ages 19-31, in the DC metro region of the United States. The purpose of my study was to explore the perceptions and lived experiences of help-seeking reasons and methods through a cultural lens using qualitative, phenomenological research methodologies. Information about the history and culture of India, as well as multicultural counseling competencies and Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory (1977) were utilized to inform this study and data analysis. Several findings emerged from this study. Categories of perceived acceptable and unacceptable reasons for seeking help were discussed and included academia, career, immigration, medical issues, and relationship issues. Cultural perceptions of mental illness, treatment of mental illness, mental health, counseling, and colonization also had shared perceptions among the participants. Finally, methods of help-seeking including spirituality, family, friends, a community with a similar cultural background, and self-reliance all emerged from the interviews as shared lived experiences of the participants. Findings demonstrate the close ties that Indian immigrants keep to their country of origin in thoughts, values and beliefs, while simultaneously trying to navigate their host country’s culture. Further research is needed in the integration process with this population to provide insights into the healthiest way to acculturate. Post-colonial theories should be researched to expand knowledge on identity development of Indian immigrants. Additionally, holistic counseling approaches should be researched and utilized with this group, who remains so tightly connected to their country of origin.