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

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

Abstract Details

2012, EdD, University of Cincinnati, Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services: Counselor Education.
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.
Mei Tang, PhD (Committee Chair)
Donna Tromski-Klingshirn, PhD (Committee Member)
Mary Brydon-Miller, PhD (Committee Member)
Geoffrey Yager, PhD (Committee Member)
114 p.
Mental Health
Pakistani Americans;

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Bashir, H. (2012). Understanding Diversity in Cultural Identify in South Asians: Implications for Clinical Practice [Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1338905887

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Bashir, Huma. Understanding Diversity in Cultural Identify in South Asians: Implications for Clinical Practice. 2012. University of Cincinnati, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1338905887.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Bashir, Huma. "Understanding Diversity in Cultural Identify in South Asians: Implications for Clinical Practice." Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati, 2012. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1338905887

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1338905887
1,557
© 2012, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.