Understanding South Asian immigrant parents' perspectives on their children's mental health and barriers to accessing help
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Date
2025-10
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University of New Brunswick
Abstract
South Asian (SA) immigrant children in Canada face unique mental health stressors, including intergenerational conflict, academic pressure, and language barriers, yet they access mental health services at lower rates. Parents’ perceptions strongly influence how children’s mental health is recognized, managed, and treated. However, limited research has explored SA immigrant parents’ experiences. This qualitative study aimed to understand SA parents’ perspectives on their children’s mental health to improve access to timely and culturally responsive care. Using an interpretive description approach, 8–10 in-depth interviews were conducted with SA parents whose children receive care at William Osler Health System’s Mental Health Program. Thematic analysis was used to identify recurring patterns and generate insights from participants’ experiences. The findings informed trauma- and violence-informed, culturally safe strategies to strengthen the capacity of SA immigrant parents to support their children’s mental health and well-being.