Please note, this is not an open access database or repository. We have focused on creating simple summaries of reports and articles that we have accessed through websites and academic journals, with a focus on key findings, so that even if a full report is not free to access you can reference it. When possible, we include a link to wherever the original document is hosted (which may or may not be open-access). If you come across a link that is no longer active, please let us know and we can update it. There are also some reports that will have been submitted directly to the project. In this case, these reports are uploaded directly with permission from the author or publisher. Any original documents found on this site are stored in Canada on our secure servers

Refugee mental health and the meaning of “home”

This article describes the functional and psychological significance of “home” and how refugee mental health and resettlement may be affected by the lack of social supports associated with the concept of home. Using illustrations from studies with refugee communities, the author suggests that the way in which refugees evoke experiences of “back home” reveals critical social and psychological gaps in their settlement and integration experiences. Note that while the study provides insights into the experiences of refugees in Ontario and Alberta, the article emphasizes the need for a pan-Canadian approach to address the mental health needs of refugees. This article describes the functional and psychological significance of “home” and how refugee mental health and resettlement may be affected by the lack of social supports associated with the concept of home. Using illustrations from studies with refugee communities, the author suggests that the way in which refugees evoke experiences of “back home” reveals critical social and psychological gaps in their settlement and integration experiences. Note that while the study provides insights into the experiences of refugees in Ontario and Alberta, the article emphasizes the need for a pan-Canadian approach to address the mental health needs of refugees.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

A Conceptual Model of the Retrospective Accounts of Chinese Adults Who Immigrated to Canada as Children

This phenomenological study explores the retrospective accounts of 11 Chinese immigrant adults (9 F, 2 M) who immigrated to Canada when they were children. Six categories and 31 themes were extracted during the analysis of the transcripts. The categories include: (a) Adjusting to a Different Culture; (b) Family; (c) Language; (d) Environment; (e) Friendships; and (f) Self and Identity. Counsellors need to be aware of the challenges faced by immigrant children in their new life in Canada, both inside as well as outside the school system. They need to learn about the cultural background of such children to understand the differences and potential conflicts and issues that these children may face in the process of adjustment. This phenomenological study explores the retrospective accounts of 11 Chinese immigrant adults (9 F, 2 M) who immigrated to Canada when they were children. Six categories and 31 themes were extracted during the analysis of the transcripts. The categories include: (a) Adjusting to a Different Culture; (b) Family; (c) Language; (d) Environment; (e) Friendships; and (f) Self and Identity. Counsellors need to be aware of the challenges faced by immigrant children in their new life in Canada, both inside as well as outside the school system. They need to learn about the cultural background of such children to understand the differences and potential conflicts and issues that these children may face in the process of adjustment.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

Chinese Acculturation Measurement

In 2001, the Chinese were the largest visible minority group in Canada, with over one million individuals identifying themselves as Chinese. There is a growing concern about the extent to which the Chinese and other minority members can adjust to and become assimilated into the majority society. However, there is currently no instrument available that can be used to measure the acculturation levels of Chinese residing in Canada. This paper develops an acculturation measure specifically designed for Chinese in Canada. The measure consists of seven dimensions: social interactions, language preference, self-construal, ethnic identity, gift giving and holiday celebration, food and community preference, and filial piety. The measure demonstrates content, discriminant, and predictive validity, as well as high overall reliability. Research limitations and future research needs are also discussed. In 2001, the Chinese were the largest visible minority group in Canada, with over one million individuals identifying themselves as Chinese. There is a growing concern about the extent to which the Chinese and other minority members can adjust to and become assimilated into the majority society. However, there is currently no instrument available that can be used to measure the acculturation levels of Chinese residing in Canada. This paper develops an acculturation measure specifically designed for Chinese in Canada. The measure consists of seven dimensions: social interactions, language preference, self-construal, ethnic identity, gift giving and holiday celebration, food and community preference, and filial piety. The measure demonstrates content, discriminant, and predictive validity, as well as high overall reliability. Research limitations and future research needs are also discussed.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly