This study explores how Indian migrant parents in Australia perceive mental health issues in their children. Little has been written on this topic but as the number of Indian migrants settling in Australia increases it is important to understand the ways in which they comprehend child mental health. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 participants, all of whom migrated to Australia within the past 1 to 5 years, have either a bachelor's or master's degree, and children under the age of 12 without any history of mental health problems. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and coded. Four main themes related to parental perception: relationship between family members, child's behaviour, influence of screen time on health and wellbeing, and cultural stigma towards seeking professional help were identified. Participants report that there is more openness in communication between parents and children than they had experienced growing up in India. Parents acknowledge that this communication is helpful for the parents to understand mental health of children. Whereas in India children typically have little exposure to screens, participants express concern at the common use of iPads in Australian primary schools, fearing that this exposure will have a negative effect on their children's health and wellbeing. Perhaps the most interesting finding is that the longer the participants have lived in Australia the more likely they are to seek professional help for their children if they identify mental health problems, reporting that the influence of their Indian culture diminishes over time. It is expected that the findings of this study will provide an insight for mental health professionals in Australia.
Date of Award | 2020 |
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Original language | English |
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- child mental health
- parents
- attitudes
- Indians
- Australia
Perceptions of Indian parents on child mental health
Therully Joy, R. (Author). 2020
Western Sydney University thesis: Master's thesis