Acculturative stress: South Asian immigrant women's experiences in Canada's Atlantic Provinces

Abstract

Adjustment and resettlement of immigrants from India to Canada is often a challenging and difficult process. This study focuses on the acculturative stress experienced by South Asian women in the Atlantic Provinces in Canada. This qualitative inquiry explores the post-migratory experiences of South Asian women in the region. In-depth interviews were held with 14 South Asian women. Emerging themes consisted of forms of acculturative stress such as intergenerational conflict, discrimination, depression, and coping. The impact of the resettlement process on the mental health of South Asian women is considered. It is concluded that multi-ethnic and context-specific mental health promotion approaches and guidelines are essential for immigrant South Asian women.