Mental Health Challenges of Older Immigrants in Canada
Mental Health Challenges of Older Immigrants in Canada
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Issue Date
2017-12-01
Authors
Alavi, Mehrnaz
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Abstract
The aim of this thesis is to offer an extensive review of current research on the barriers that older immigrants face upon entry to a new host country. Evidence has shown that older immigrants, particularly those from cultural backgrounds that are incongruent with those found in immigrant receiving communities in North America and Europe, are susceptible to relocation stress that manifest in higher levels of depressive symptoms. In general, immigrants and refugees are less likely than their Canadian-born counterparts to seek out or be referred to mental health services, even when they experience comparable levels of distress. Considerable evidence supports the tendency for immigrant older adults and their family members to hide mental health challenges and avoid seeking help out of fear of shame or rejection. Based on the findings of this comprehensive review this thesis offers therapeutic implications for professionals who may work with or encounter these older adults. This includes but is not limited to social workers, medical professionals, and community outreach workers. My review will include an assessment of existing programs for older adults in British Columbia.
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Keywords
mental health of immigrants , older immigrants , relocation stress , migratory grief
License
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States , openAccess