An occupational therapy approach to the support of a young immigrant female’s mental health: A story of bicultural personal growth

Abstract

Young immigrants who suffer from psychosis perceive their illness from the outlook of at least two cultures, which is often a source of confusion and misunderstanding for clients, their families, and clinicians. This article presents a case study with a narrative approach, aiming to illustrate how an occupational therapy intervention can highlight the role of culture and address bicultural identification in a young adult immigrant woman with mental health problems. The results show how a culturally adapted intervention model can be used to help the client go through a transition from an interdependent to a more independent self. During the course of occupational therapy, the client gained greater insight into her problems and could view herself as integrating numerous facets related to two different social and cultural contexts. Moreover, the client achieved better skills in dealing with discrepancies and cultural contradictions and became capable of relying on either or both of the cultures in different situations.

Key words: Young immigrant, psychosis, interdependent self, occupational therapy

(Published: 8 September 2011)

Citation: Int J Qualitative Stud Health Well-being 2011, 6: 7084 - DOI: 10.3402/qhw.v6i3.7084