Psychological well-being and barriers to accessing psychological services within South Asian and Muslim populations

Research examining mental health within South Asian populations indicates higher levels of psychological distress in this group. However, uptake of psychological services is low. This thesis explores factors that relate to well-being within South Asians, with a particular focus on barriers to accessing psychological services for Muslims. In section one, a systematic review of the literature examines the relationship between the process of acculturation and psychological well-being in South Asians in Westernised societies. This review suggests that acculturation affects a number of different constructs and correlates of well-being. However, factors such as age, gender and generational differences appear to affect the nature of the relationship. Section two reports findings from a quantitative study carried out using a sample of 94 adult participants from Britain who identify themselves as Muslims of South Asian origin. The relationship between shame/izzat surrounding mental health and intention to access psychological services is investigated. Other, more established variables, which predict intention to seek psychological services, are also examined. Findings indicate that shame/izzat and biological beliefs about the cause of mental health problems predict lesser intent to access psychological services, whereas higher levels of acculturation and education predict greater intention. However, results also suggest differences between individuals who have migrated to Britain and those that have been born in the country, with shame/izzat playing a more important role in intent for the migrant group. Personal and theoretical reflections are discussed in section three. In particular, the concepts behind conducting culturally appropriate research are considered and areas for future research are examined.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo