The Value of Community Healing for First-Generation Immigrant Women
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Authors
Muziramakenga, Jessica
Issue Date
2025-09-25
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
community psychology , identity , immigrant women , intersectionality , mental health , resilience
Alternative Title
Abstract
This capstone addresses how community based healing practices support the mental health, well being, and belonging of first generation immigrant women in North America. The research examines existing literature grounded in community psychology and intersectional, multicultural perspectives, focusing on the unique ways that collective healing practices, such as women’s circles and peer networks promote resilience, reduce isolation, and foster a sense of community for immigrant women. Scholarly findings revealed that mainstream mental health care often fails to account for the cultural, linguistic, and immigration status differences that form these women's experiences, resulting in misalignments between mental health services and community needs. The research demonstrated the importance of recognizing immigrant women's diverse cultural backgrounds, as what constitutes a mental health need, or a coping strategy, may differ across cultures. Through the application of relevant research, this capstone proposes a Community Healing Toolkit that bridges culturally sensitive approaches and gender-empowering programs designed to support immigrant women. It also calls for future research to mitigate gaps in the existing literature, particularly around the impact of immigration status on mental health outcomes and the role of belonging in the acculturation journey. The study concludes by reaffirming the value of culturally responsive and community-led care for the well-being and belonging of immigrant women.
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Citation
Publisher
License
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States
openAccess
openAccess