Quilting stories and embracing culture: an arts-informed narrative inquiry exploring the experiences of an older Chinese Canadian immigrant with depression

Abstract

Chinese immigrants tend to underutilize mental health services. Cultural and linguistic barriers may discourage Chinese immigrants from accessing these services. Yet, a paucity of qualitative research that explores the experiences of older Chinese Canadian immigrants with depression exists in the mental health literature. This study explored how older Chinese immigrants (age 55+) experience depression, and what their stories reveal about the sources of mental health support that they use. Using arts-informed narrative inquiry methods, I conducted a series of five research sessions with a co-participant from the Chinese Canadian community in the Greater Toronto Area. Narrative patterns regarding identity, voice, and communication, as well as a prominent narrative thread of relationship, emerged from my co-participant’s story. This study illustrates the heterogeneity that exists within this group, and illuminates the value of a person-centered and culturally safe approach to providing mental healthcare to older Chinese immigrants with depression.