Understanding Diversity in Cultural Identify in South Asians: Implications for Clinical Practice

This study explored the personal experiences of three generations of Pakistani Americans with an aim to understand the contributing factors to their cultural identity and meaning of their experiences. The ecological counseling approach (Conyne & Cook, 2004) was the theoretical framework that guided the design and analysis of this study. A total of 11 participants representing first, first and half, and second generation of Pakistani Americans were recruited from a community center in a Midwest region. Semi-structured individual interviews and one focus group were conducted as the means to collect data. Thematic analysis was used to uncover common themes within and across the generational groups. The results revealed five common themes across generational groups. These are: awareness of cultural identity differences are situational, sense of loss, positive experience, awareness of two cultures, and culture and religion are intertwined. In further analyzing these themes, a second level of categories emerged as data were reviewed by specific generational groups. While there were some differences among the generations, all groups demonstrated overarching beliefs about their Pakistani American heritage. There was consensus regarding maintaining strong religious values and beliefs. Those beliefs were also directly mingled with culture and were inseparable. For all generations, cultural identity was maintained through certain values including modesty of dress, maintaining holiday traditions, and respect for elders.The findings of this study have the implications for the counseling practice with Pakistani Americans and helping professionals. By incorporating an understanding of the cultural identity of Pakistani Americans, counselors can offer more culturally-focused strategies which may, in turn, result in more effective outcomes for Pakistani American clients. When considering this population for mental health treatment, counselors need to remember that clients will be better-served if they are viewed within the relevant contexts of their lives, not in isolation.

Name thesis:degree_name

EdD

Level thesis:degree_level

doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services: Counselor Education

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Cincinnati

Year dc:date

2012

Author dc:creator

• Bashir, Huma

Contributors dc:contributor

• Tang, Mei

• Mental Health
• Pakistani Americans

Statement dc:rights

• unrestricted
• This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1338905887

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:etd.ohiolink.edu:ucin1338905887