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Publication Date
2016
Document Type
Dissertation
Department
School for Social Work
Keywords
Separation (Psychology) in children, Immigrant youth-Canada-Psychology, Immigrant youth-China-Psychology, Chinese-Cultural assimiliation-Canada, Family reunification-Psychological aspects, Parent and adult child, Chinese immigrant youth, Reunification, Parent-child relationships, Cultural adjustment, Life in Canada
Abstract
The purpose of this dissertation was to examine the experiences of reunification between older Chinese immigrant youth and their biological parents in Canada. The study took a phenomenological approach to better understand how participants experienced separation and reunion with parents and caregivers as well as coming to Canada, how youth were prepared to come to Canada, and what cultural values or beliefs helped the youth navigate and cope in the new environment. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in English, Cantonese and Mandarin with 14 participants who ranged in age from 18-24 years old. Findings included that half of participants struggled with the transition to Canada and being with their parents again, and that older immigrants had a smoother adjustment. Chinese cultural values, although not expressed idiomatically, did appear to play a role in the navigation of Canadian culture with many coping strategies provided. Implications for social work practice and research are discussed.
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Mak, Carolyn, "Experiences of reunification between older Chinese immigrant youth and their biological parents" (2016). Dissertation, Smith College, Northampton, MA.
https://scholarworks.smith.edu/theses/1786
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Comments
vii, 216 pages : illustrations. Ph.D. Dissertation-Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, Ma., 2016. Includes bibliographical references (pages 149-158)