Abraham, Emmanuela
(2024)
The Unseen Wounds: Investigating the Influence of Unaddressed Trauma on the Adjustment and Resilience of Haitian Immigrants in Maryland.
Master Essay, University of Pittsburgh.
Abstract
Migration, especially in childhood, can introduce profound psychological challenges, weaving a complex narrative of resilience, struggle, and the pursuit of identity. In Maryland, where over 20,000 Haitian immigrants reside, existing research falls short in addressing the specific mental health challenges they face, particularly those stemming from political unrest and natural disasters. Haitians are at an elevated risk of psychological distress, often exacerbated by acculturation stress and past trauma. The researcher explores the roles that early-life experiences in Haiti and acculturation in the United States have on the mental health, social integration, and adult success of Haitian immigrants.
Focusing on Haitian immigrants in Maryland aged 18 to 65 who migrated as children, this research examines how their formative years in Haiti and subsequent growth in the U.S. have influenced their well-being in adulthood. Utilizing qualitative methods, the researcher conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews to map the trajectory of their social and psychological adjustment. Interviews were transcribed and reviewed to ensure accuracy, with initial thoughts noted. During analysis, key codes such as "felt isolated," "struggled with identity," and "missed Haiti" were identified through repeated reading and data immersion. These codes were organized into coherent themes to reflect the participants' experiences accurately.
Findings indicate that Haitian migrants in Maryland often experience detachment from relatives and a lack of community relationships in the U.S. Amidst poverty, language barriers, and family expectations, many participants demonstrated resilience by relying on religion. Despite difficulties in Haiti, participants conveyed that their lives there were more enjoyable and comfortable compared to the U.S., with many transitioning from affluence to long-term poverty. The study reveals the paradox of migration: leaving perceived well-being for promise, only to confront new hardships. The findings highlight the importance of social support networks in reducing Haitian immigrants' mental health issues and the necessity for culturally specific interventions to address their significant sense of isolation and longing. Further research should explore why Haitian immigrants in the U.S. hold such strong nostalgia for Haiti and favor life there, investigating their social connections, cultural identity, and sense of belonging to develop interventions aiding cultural integration while preserving their heritage.
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Details
| Item Type: |
Other Thesis, Dissertation, or Long Paper
(Master Essay)
|
| Status: |
Unpublished |
| Creators/Authors: |
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| Contributors: |
| Contribution | Contributors Name | Email | Pitt Username | ORCID  |
|---|
| Committee Chair | Documet, Patricia | pdocumet@pitt.edu | pdocumet | UNSPECIFIED | | Committee Member | Figuereo, Victor | vfiguere@pitt.edu | vfiguere | UNSPECIFIED | | Committee Member | Baumann, Sara | sarabaumann@pitt.edu | sarabaumann | 0000-0002-6544-2825 |
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| Date: |
26 June 2024 |
| Date Type: |
Completion |
| Number of Pages: |
123 |
| Institution: |
University of Pittsburgh |
| Schools and Programs: |
School of Public Health > Behavioral and Community Health Sciences |
| Degree: |
MPH - Master of Public Health |
| Thesis Type: |
Master Essay |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| Date Deposited: |
27 Jun 2024 01:15 |
| Last Modified: |
27 Jun 2024 01:15 |
| URI: |
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/46610 |
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