The lived experience of acculturative stress in second-generation Haitian American emerging adults.

Abstract

Second-generation Haitian American emerging adults function within three cultures; the American culture, Black American culture, and the Haitian culture. Balancing and living within multiple cultures while trying to grow in autonomy and adulthood can affect the mental health of emerging adults. Gaining independence while finding identity coupled with cultural expectations can contribute to increasing stress levels. The aim of this phenomenological inquiry is to explore the lived experience of second generation Haitian American emerging adults while focusing on mental health. This descriptive phenomenological inquiry explored the mental health effects of acculturative stress in emerging adults who identified as second-generation Haitian Americans. The population sample consisted of 30 participants ages 19-29 years, with a mean of (M_age = 25.97, SD = 2.95). Data was collected through semi-structured one-on-one interviews, which were guided by fifteen open ended questions. Thematic analysis approach was applied to the qualitative data. Saturation was reached after 23 participant interviews and 7 additional interviews after saturation to confirm result findings. Resulting themes revealed that Haitian parents and culture were strict, a dual identity, and lack of awareness/support for mental health in the culture were stressors. Themes of admiration for the Haitian culture and resiliency serve as possibilities as to why participants pursued higher education. The triple minority status of the heritage culture has contributed to increased stress levels resulting in the expression of anxiety, depression and self-critical thoughts such as feelings of imposter syndrome.