A portfolio of research, professional practice and a critical literature review on psychological aspects of care in the context of acculturation and adaptation
Objectives: The purpose of the study was to understand British Asian Indian older adults’ experiences of multiple acculturation processes and family care receiving. Design: The study followed a qualitative research methodology. Analysis was undertaken using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), to develop a deeper understanding of the participants’ experiences. Method: Six fully consenting British Asian Indian older adults, who had migrated multiple times before settling in Britain, were interviewed using semi-structured interviews in their preferred language. Findings: The study revealed that acculturation, following forced migration, may affect an older adults’ sense of self in a negative and positive way. Following forced migration to Britain, the participants tended to revert to protecting and preserving their Indian identity. The participants identified various cognitive and innate psychological strategies to manage the distress of acculturation. The study identified that the participants valued their Indian identity and tended to maintain it in old age through family care receiving experiences. However, living in Britain tended to cause tension with the family carer. The participants were reluctant to explore tensions of familial care, but did highlight various cognitive-behavioural, spiritual and innate psychological strategies to manage issues with the carer. The study suggests that care can be a multifunctional phenomenon as it can offer an opportunity to negotiate, mediate and represent one’s lost culture. Conclusions The study offers an insight into British Asian Indian Older adult’s lives and highlights the psychological meaning of care. Implications for clinical practice and further research are discussed.
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