A Qualitative Exploration of Second-Generation Asian Canadian Bicultural Women’s Stories about Counselling and Gender-Based Violence

Abstract

Within Asian cultures, stigma is commonly associated with seeking professional help for mental health issues, resulting in underutilization of professional services. While recent research has identified unique barriers in seeking help among first-generation immigrant women, perceptions of counselling remain understudied in the context of second-generation Asian Canadian women who identify as bicultural—particularly those facing gender-based violence. This article-based thesis sought to gain a better understanding of second-generation Asian Canadian women’s perspectives on counselling within the context of gender-based violence and bicultural identity. Because visible minority women are often a marginalized segment of the Canadian population, this study drew from the narrative approach, in which stories were collected and analyzed. Semistructured interviews were conducted with five participants. Results are presented in a manuscript and consist of five themes: (a) intersectionality, (b) perceptions of mental health and counselling, (c) barriers to counselling, (d) counselling experiences, and (e) hopes for counselling. Observations on “the bicultural struggle” and gender-based violence are also discussed in the thesis. The findings elaborate understandings of multiple social identities in second-generation Asian women’s perceptions of counselling and experiences with gender-based violence, and help inform multicultural counselling practices with Asian populations.