Aging and Mental Health
Volume 18, Issue 2, 2014, Pages 140-147

Mental health help-seeking attitudes, utilization, and intentions among older Chinese immigrants in Canada (Article)

Tieu Y. , Konnert C.A.*
  • a Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
  • b Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada

Abstract

Objectives: This study had three objectives. First, to determine the extent to which demographic factors, perceived social support, and Chinese cultural beliefs predict attitudes toward mental health help seeking; second, to assess mental health utilization; and third, to assess intentions to utilize mental health services among older Chinese immigrants in Canada aged 55 and above.Method: A total of 149 older Chinese adults (M = 73.92 years, SD = 9.99, range = 55-95 years) completed a semi-structured interview protocol in Cantonese or Mandarin. Demographic and health information were collected, and questionnaires assessing perceived social support, mental health help-seeking attitudes, and belief in Chinese culture and values were administered.Results: Demographic and health information, perceived social support, Chinese cultural beliefs and values accounted for 21.8% of the variance in help-seeking attitudes. Descriptive data related to mental health utilization and intentions are provided.Conclusion: Older Chinese participants exhibited less positive attitudes that were significantly associated with Chinese cultural beliefs and values. Implications for practice with older Chinese adults are also discussed. © 2013 Taylor & Francis.

Author Keywords

Immigrant older Chinese Cultural beliefs Attitudes

Index Keywords

cultural anthropology Asian mental health service psychological aspect human middle aged Asian continental ancestry group Aged social support Mental Health Services ethnology Humans migrant male Canada Emigrants and Immigrants Aged, 80 and over very elderly Article Utilization Review attitude to health Culture

Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84893936810&doi=10.1080%2f13607863.2013.814104&partnerID=40&md5=984a48acc7b4858208ed16409072a3ca

DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2013.814104
ISSN: 13607863
Cited by: 14
Original Language: English