Intersectionality of Cultural Identities in Health Psychology: Key Recommendations for Working With African-Caribbean Immigrant Women

Abstract

While the field of health psychology has progressed over the years, much work still needs to be done when considering immigrants' health care and well-being. Particularly, for African-Caribbean immigrants, the intersectionality of their cultural identities in the health care system require much attention moving forward. Therefore, this article is particularly relevant for Canada's multicultural society; it describes cultural identity reconstruction within health psychology as a common issue for diverse groups, particularly African-Caribbean immigrant women. The article speaks to the holistic worldview that is required in a paradigm shift which engages a pluralistic society that is Canada. The author presents a key cultural identity model and assessment tool that should be integrated into the health care system to ensure culturally-sensitive and inclusive care for immigrants, especially women. As is argued in the article, contemporary research, advocacy, and social movements speak to invoking alternative ways to complement the prevailing downstream approach to health psychology. In a growing multicultural society that should strive on honoring and respecting the pluralistic cultural worldviews of all people in the health care system, many immigrant women struggle to cope with the social determinants of health post-migration. Their concerns are often pushed to the margins of health care services, with several individuals relying on their faith for coping strategies. This article concludes with culturally-informed and socially-just recommendations for health care professionals working with immigrant populations, particularly African Caribbean immigrant women.

Clinical case study of abbreviated cognitive behavioral therapy through an intersectional lens for women health-care workers during the era of COVID-19.

“…The strong relevance of intersectionality and the demonstrated utility of CBT provide the rationale for this case study’s approach. Intersectionality may be especially poignant to consider for WHCWs’ unique experiences such as women’s health disparities (Kelly, 2009), perinatal mental health care (Stevens et al, 2018), and cultural identities in health psychology (Dixon, 2019) that will be demonstrated in this case when applicable. This patient’s treatment will exemplify how we conceptualize patients with intersectional identities while imparting concrete tools to increase balanced cognitive processes in the COVID-19 crisis.…”

Systematic Review of Integration and Radicalization Prevention Programs for Migrants in the US, Canada, and Europe

“…Some authors note that privatizing public services disconnected these services from social obligation, thus making it more difficult for individuals and institutions to have a language that can include the principles of racial justices as a common good ( 64 ). According to Dixon ( 65 ), it is necessary for a growing multicultural society to strive for honoring and respecting plural cultural world views of all individuals in the healthcare system.…”

Untold Stories of Jamaican Canadian Immigrant Women: Building Resilience Through Faith

“…In the discourse of multiculturalism, for example, it is important to understand the experiences of JCIW who may turn to their spirituality and religion to play key roles in reconstructing their new cultural identities in this country. Accordingly, for mental health providers, 5 to develop an understanding of the JCIW would be critical in order to facilitate help-seeking behaviour changes for this group (Dixon, 2019a). Yet, based on my thorough review of the social science literature (e.g., Canadian Woman Studies, Canadian Psychology Journal, Journal of Social Science, Journal of Multicultural Counselling and Development and Journal of Counselling & Development), the roles that religious faith and spirituality play in helping Black Caribbeans adapt to a new Canadian culture has received scant attention.…”

“…Further, the navigation and reconstruction of cultural identity amid post-migration stressors (e.g., systemic racism, discrimination, marginalization, and underemployment) are examined (DePass, 2012b;Dixon, 2019b). These stressors inadvertently give rise to mental health concerns such as stress, depression, and suicidal thoughts (McKenzie et al, 2011;Dixon, 2019a). This discussion on Cultural and Pedagogical Inquiry, Summer 2020, 12(1), pp.…”

“…Likewise, Princess Warrior indicated that sharing her faith with others was a great opportunity for her to form meaningful relationships in Canada (Dixon, 2015(Dixon, , 2016. The women's lived experiences attest to their faith, openness, and willingness to share their vulnerability, their abilities to shape each other's realities, and to establish trust within the dominant Canadian culture that is systemically saturated with stressors such as racism, discrimination, and gender stereotypes (DePass, 2012a;Dixon, 2019a;Taylor & Richards, 2019). Once again, by sharing their stories and voicing their experiences, the women sang as free birds.…”