Date of Conferral

8-1-2026

Date of Award

August 2026

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Social Work

Advisor

Yvonne Chase

Abstract

Young adult Guyanese immigrants living in the United States often face cultural, familial, and social challenges that influence their perceptions of mental health and willingness to seek professional support. Despite growing attention to immigrant mental health, limited research has explored the experiences of this population. This qualitative study aimed to improve understanding of how cultural values, family dynamics, and acculturation stress influence mental health perceptions and help-seeking behaviors. The theoretical framework underpinning this study was acculturation theory. The research explored how participants navigated cultural identity, family expectations, and adaptation to life in the United States. A purposive sampling strategy was used to recruit 16 participants between the ages of 18 and 30 who met the study criteria and participated in semi-structured interviews. All data collected were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-phase process for thematic analysis. The key themes identified were cultural identity and acculturation, mental health stigma, faith and spiritual coping, barriers to care, and cultural conflict in help-seeking behavior. Participants described mental health as a stigmatized topic among community and family. The findings highlight the need for culturally responsive mental health services and community outreach efforts that address the unique needs of young adult Guyanese immigrants. The potential implications for positive social change include reducing stigma, improving access to culturally informed mental health care, and promoting more equitable mental health outcomes within immigrant communities.

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