Open AccessAsian-Indian Female International Students: A Photovoice Study of Health and Adaptation to the Immigration Experience
Author(s) -
C Cooper,
Susan Yarbrough
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
the qualitative report
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2160-3715
DOI - 10.46743/2160-3715/2016.2356
Subject(s) - photovoice , qualitative research , immigration , mental health , coping (psychology) , exploratory research , cultural competence , health care , psychology , study abroad , narrative , ethnic group , medical education , gerontology , medicine , pedagogy , sociology , clinical psychology , social science , political science , anthropology , linguistics , philosophy , law , psychotherapist , economics , economic growth
The purpose of this study was to explore the health related perspectives of female Asian-Indian international students enrolled in a mid-size public university in the United States. Using the biocultural model of human adaptation and photovoice methodology, we conducted a two-phase qualitative exploratory study whereby participants were interviewed, then asked to take photographs reflecting their physical or mental health. Their photographs and related narratives provided insights into the students’ health related beliefs and coping behaviors as they adapted to a new physical and social environment. The knowledge gained from this study provides health care professionals, counselors, and educators insights that might be helpful in providing culturally sensitive care and services to Asian Indian women living in the United States for the purposes of higher education.