International Journal of Behavioral Medicine
Volume 24, Issue 6, 2017, Pages 827-835

Exploring the Social Needs and Challenges of Chinese American Immigrant Breast Cancer Survivors: a Qualitative Study Using an Expressive Writing Approach (Article)

Warmoth K. , Cheung B. , You J. , Yeung N.C.Y. , Lu Q.*
  • a Culture and Health Research Center, Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Fred J. Heyne Building, Room 126, 3695 Cullen Boulevard, Houston, TX 77204-5022, United States, Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
  • b Culture and Health Research Center, Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Fred J. Heyne Building, Room 126, 3695 Cullen Boulevard, Houston, TX 77204-5022, United States
  • c Culture and Health Research Center, Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Fred J. Heyne Building, Room 126, 3695 Cullen Boulevard, Houston, TX 77204-5022, United States, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
  • d Culture and Health Research Center, Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Fred J. Heyne Building, Room 126, 3695 Cullen Boulevard, Houston, TX 77204-5022, United States, Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
  • e Culture and Health Research Center, Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Fred J. Heyne Building, Room 126, 3695 Cullen Boulevard, Houston, TX 77204-5022, United States

Abstract

Purpose: Little is known about the psychological well-being and social barriers among immigrant Chinese American breast cancer survivors. The aim of the present study was to explore the social needs and challenges of Chinese American immigrant breast cancer survivors. Method: This study used the expressive writing approach to explore the experiences among 27 Chinese American breast cancer survivors. The participants were recruited through community-based organizations in Southern California, most of whom were diagnosed at stages I and II (33 and 48%, respectively). Participants, on average, had been living in the USA for 19 years. Participants were asked to write three 20-min essays related to their experience with breast cancer (in 3 weeks). Participants’ writings were coded with line-by-line analysis, and categories and themes were generated. Results: Emotion suppression, self-stigma, and perceived stigma about being a breast cancer survivor were reflected in the writings. Interpersonally, participants indicated their reluctance to disclose cancer diagnosis to family and friends and concerns about fulfilling multiple roles. Some of them also mentioned barriers of communicating with their husbands. Related to life in the USA, participants felt unfamiliar with the healthcare system and encountered language barriers. Conclusion: Counseling services addressing concerns about stigma and communication among family members may benefit patients’ adjustments. Tailor-made information in Chinese about diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer and health insurance in the USA may also help patients go through the course of recovery. © 2017, International Society of Behavioral Medicine.

Author Keywords

disclosure Social support Sociocultural Stigma

Index Keywords

writing Communication interpersonal communication human friend middle aged qualitative research Humans migrant Breast Neoplasms psychology family cancer survivor Asian Americans Emigrants and Immigrants Asian American Cancer Survivors breast tumor female Friends
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85020190224&doi=10.1007%2fs12529-017-9661-4&partnerID=40&md5=961f374f5661bce77ede41b5c5ad19e2
DOI: 10.1007/s12529-017-9661-4
ISSN: 10705503
Cited by: 16
Original Language: English