Hmong Immigrants’ Perceptions of Family Secrets and Recipients of Disclosure

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the issues Hmong immigrants considered family secrets and to whom they would disclose their secrets when these secrets became problematic to them. Ninety-nine Hmong immigrant adults (39 males and 60 females), with ages ranging from 18 to 89 participated in this study. Content analysis found more than half of the participants considered marital issues to be secrets, while descriptive statistics found spousal arguments about family chores were the most secretive, followed by arguments about children, and overspending. Relatives on the husband's side, spouse, family members, and adult children were among the most frequent recipients of disclosures. The article concluded with some suggestions for educators, practitioners, and policymakers who work with Hmong immigrant families.

Hmong women, marital factors and mental health status

“…In addition, the patriarchal nature of Hmong culture may also contribute to a woman’s feelings of helplessness. Hmong culture, like many other Asian cultures, places a high degree of importance on face, thus marital abuse is often not discussed by the Hmong due to the stigma associated with discussing private matters with outsiders (Kaiser, 2004; Xiong, Tuicomepee, LaBlanc, & Rainey, 2006b). Therefore, Hmong clients may be reticent when discussing personal matters.…”

Always on the Phone: The Invisible Role of Hmong Women in Diasporic Media Industries

“…While all cultures have issues that are considered taboo, Hmong culture in particular can be very guarded around issues of sexuality. In a study about family secrets, researchers found that a high percentage of Hmong families thought that marital arguments, extramarital affairs, marital violence and abuse, delinquent children, and personal issues such as depression and financial problems should not be talked about outside of the nuclear family (Xiong, Tuicomepee, LaBlanc, & Rainey, ). This is significant because the fear of stigma and shame can make Hmong women less likely to seek professional help or utilize services for these kinds of issues, despite their significance in maintaining healthy families.…”

Thorough Clinical Assessment: The Hidden Foundation of Evidence-Based Practice

“…Yet a worker who is unfamiliar with such norms and is not attentive to such nuances may misinterpret a client's distance in a session incorrectly (Karpel, 1980). Such issues are frequent when White practitioners assess clients of color (Xiong, Tuicomepee, LaBlanc, & Rainey, 2006).…”

“…The fear of being a good client in the presence of someone to whom they believe they are expected to defer might influence them to say more than they are actually comfortable sharing. The gender identity of the client and the worker may influence this process as well (Ow & Katz, 1999;Xiong et al, 2006). The different combinations and the value placed on each gender may lead to more or less information being shared.…”