Refugee Mothers Adjustment to Life In NZ - Effect on Mental Health (August 2004)
Group or Institution
University of Waikato
Author(s)
Chaykam Chomminavong
Abstract
This study investigates the effects of acculturation, cultural adjustment difficulties and its impact on the mental health status of 12 Laotian refugee mothers. A two part survey comprising of the Suinn-Lew Asian Self-Identity Acculturation Scale, the Cultural Adjustment Difficulties Checklist and the Brief Symptom Inventory was used in conjunction with an interview questionnaire to examine this relationship. The results were evaluated through a thematic analysis of the instruments and the questionnaire. The findings suggest that a lack of English proficiency as a result of limiting opportunities to learn and develop this skill has had various long term detrimental effects on some of the mothers’ mental health from feelings of depression, anxiety, isolation and family conflict to engaging in negative coping strategies such as gambling. However, extended family support, community support from members of the original culture and religious/Buddhist beliefs helped to offset these effects through providing a means by which the mothers could cope with the cultural differences and conflicts faced during the process of adapting to the norms and customs of New Zealand.