Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Susana Verdinelli

Abstract

Immigration issues, acculturation, and identity processes are risk factors identified for the development of substance abuse among Haitian Americans. While the problem of substance abuse within the Haitian American population has been identified, little research has been conducted on Haitian American caregivers who have cared for a loved one battling substance abuse. The purpose of this interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was to explore how Haitian American caregivers experienced the phenomenon of caring for a family member battling substance abuse and to understand how caregivers coped with this demanding task. Carver et al.’s concepts of coping and Pargament’s theory of religious coping constituted the theoretical basis for this study. Semistructured interviews with 10 participants constituted the data for this study. Data were analyzed using the principles of IPA. Results indicated that the caregiving journey was long and arduous, and it was filled with adversity and heartache. Participants expressed being distraught and overwhelmed. They adjusted physically, mentally, financially, and spiritually to endure the hardships of caregiving, yet they reported reluctance to receive assistance, which they only received when they felt overwhelmed. They used various means to cope with the stress of caregiving, but they showed proclivity toward implementing religious and spiritual coping. These results have the potential for positive social change by informing and enhancing mental health workers’ competencies regarding how to assist Haitian American mental health services in conjunction with spiritual care.

Download

Included in

Psychology Commons

Share

 
COinS