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Liminal Spaces: Reconciling the Chinese American Adoptee Identity and Mental Health

Nackman, Sarah (2024) Liminal Spaces: Reconciling the Chinese American Adoptee Identity and Mental Health. Master Essay, University of Pittsburgh.

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Abstract

Existing at an ambiguous crossroad of identity, Chinese American adoptees [CAAs] must navigate conflicting physical and social environments. As many CAAs enter adulthood, the normal developmental tasks of forming and questioning identity, self, and belonging are amplified, which could potentially lead to mental health distress and/or isolation. The question of CAA identity and mental health is of pertinent public health significance given the number of CAAs entering adulthood and the increase in Sinophobia in the United States post COVID-19 adoption. Although studies have investigated the transracial and transnational identity of CAAs before, limited information is available about how the CAA identity affects this population’s perceived mental health status. Thus, this study seeks to investigate the CAA identity in relation to mental health by examining the experiences, and perceptions of this population as they enter a period of introspection and discovery. Eleven participants within the CAA community participated in three facilitated focus group sessions and completed a Qualtrics demographic survey. Participants across the focus groups described experiences with social and familial belonging and mental health care barriers. Further analyses and investigation of the CAA population can provide a broader understanding of the implications of transnational and transracial adoption on individual mental health as well as guidance for behavioral health and policy surrounding transnational and transracial adoption.


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Details

Item Type: Other Thesis, Dissertation, or Long Paper (Master Essay)
Status: Unpublished
Creators/Authors:
CreatorsEmailPitt UsernameORCID
Nackman, Sarahsan96@pitt.edusan96
Contributors:
ContributionContributors NameEmailPitt UsernameORCID
Thesis advisorSalter, Cynthiacys6@pitt.educys6UNSPECIFIED
Committee ChairHoffman, Beth L.beth.hoffman@pitt.edubeth.hoffmanUNSPECIFIED
Committee ChairLaskas, Jeannelaskas@pitt.edulaskasUNSPECIFIED
Date: 20 August 2024
Date Type: Completion
Submission Date: 8 August 2024
Access Restriction: No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately.
Number of Pages: 78
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
Uncontrolled Keywords: transracial adoption, transnational adoption, Chinese American adoptees, mental health, race, identity, identity development, experiences,
Date Deposited: 20 Aug 2024 18:27
Last Modified: 20 Aug 2024 18:27
URI: http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/46893

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  • Liminal Spaces: Reconciling the Chinese American Adoptee Identity and Mental Health. (deposited 20 Aug 2024 18:27) [Currently Displayed]

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