Date of Conferral

2-16-2024

Date of Award

February 2024

Degree

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)

School

Psychology

Advisor

Arcella Trimble

Abstract

Although the number of Nigerian immigrants to the United States has increased in the past few years, few studies have explored their mental health experiences. This study explored the lived experience of Nigerian immigrants living in the United States (US). Belief perseverance theory was utilized as a lens of analysis to understand if prior experiences, perceptions, and/or stigma can influence help-seeking behavior and expectations through face-to-face, semi-structured, and audiotaped interviews. The study explored a sample of 10 Nigerian immigrants lived experiences, understanding, perceptions, and stigma of mental illness and whether or not they seek psychological help. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used to provide a detailed exploration of the research findings to increase awareness, which includes adding to the research literature on mental health and illness in the Nigerian immigrant community. Data analysis consisted of multiple readings, note-taking, and the identification of themes. The results of the study identified eight themes, namely mental health, mental illness, cultural beliefs, assimilation, meaning of help-seeking, stigma, experience of mental illness in Nigeria, and utilization of mental health services in the US. The findings confirmed how Nigerian immigrants to the US think about the concept of mental health and revealed that cultural beliefs and stigma are some of the factors preventing Nigerian immigrants from seeking professional help for mental health issues. The results of this research also led to positive social change including how to focus the lens of scientific inquiry on Nigerian immigrants’ mental health in the US and how mental health professionals can better understand and work with them.

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