Perceptions of Depression Among Elderly Thai Immigrants

Abstract

Because little is known about elderly Thai immigrants' conceptualization of depression, a qualitative descriptive research study was conducted to explore their perception of depression. Semi-structured individual face-to-face interviews were performed with a purposeful sampling of ten men and ten women aged 60 years and older at participants' homes or Thai Buddhist temples. The results revealed that depression was defined as feeling disappointment and pressure in the mind and included symptoms of isolation, heart pounding, and dissatisfaction. Coping strategies comprised practicing Buddhism and acceptance. Gender differences existed and reflected cultural expectations for men and women. These findings provide a foundation for developing culturally sensitive health care.

If I Was Going to Kill Myself, I Wouldn't Be Calling You. I am Asking for Help: Challenges Influencing Immigrant and Refugee Women's Mental Health

“…Not surprisingly, we found that some immigrants were more likely to consult ethnic group leaders and informal support systems than medical professionals for emotional and mental problems. Similar findings were reported in other studies of health care utilization by immigrants and refugees in other geographical areas (Brown, 2001;Chiu et al, 2005;Fenta et al, 2007;Lin & Cheung, 1999;Sheikh & Furnham, 2000;Soonthornchaiya & Dancy, 2006). As literature indicates (Chiu et al, 2005;George, Larson, Koenig, & McCullough, 2000;Lin & Cheung, 1999;Nash & Stewart, 2002), it is important for health care providers to recognize the powerful influence of religion and spirituality on health care decisions that some immigrant and refugee women make, especially for those who do not have strong support systems.…”

Surviving depressive ill‐health: A qualitative systematic review of older persons' narratives

“…Thirteen qualitative studies were included in the review. Eight studies were conducted in the USA (Ugarriza, 2002;Pierce et al, 2003;Barg et al, 2006;Soonthornchaiya & Dancy, 2006;Switzer et al, 2006;Black et al, 2007;Wittink et al, 2009;Conner et al, 2010), one in the UK (Lawrence et al, 2006), three in Sweden (Hedelin & Strandmark, 2001a,b;Hedelin & Jonsson, 2003) and one in New Zealand (Allan & Dixon, 2009).…”

Validation of a Buddhist Coping Measure Among Primarily Non‐Asian Buddhists in the United States

“…In one of the few studies of U.S. Buddhists, Soonthornchaiya and Dancy (2006) examined how 20 Thai immigrants coped with depression. Common Buddhist coping methods included going to the temple, talking to a monk, and practicing meditation.…”