Poudyel, Kamala; Gurung, Surya (University of Utah)
Faculty Advisor: Kamimure, Akiko (Social and Behavioral Science, Sociology)
Bhutanese refugees are often torture survivors and experience mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorders, anxiety and depression. However, there are few studies focusing on mental health among Bhutanese women in the US. The purpose of this proposed study is to examine mental health among Bhutanese women with a refugee background living in Utah. Specifically, this study analyzes how social support and acculturation are associated with mental health (stress) and images of mental illness. A Self-administered or interviewer-administered survey has been collected from Bhutanese women since September 2019. Preliminary results suggest stronger sense of belonging to American and Bhutanese cultures was associated with higher levels of social support. Lack of social support was associated with higher levels of stress. The notable images of people with mental illness among the participants included "People with chronic mental illness are, by far, more dangerous than the general population," and "Mental health facilities should be kept out of residential neighborhood." Those negative images were related to lower levels of understanding both American and Bhutanese cultures. It is important to maintain ethnic identity as Bhutanese as well as to learn American culture to promote social support and reduce stress. In addition, reducing negative images of mental illness may help seek help for mental health issue when they experience such problems. Strong sense of belonging to American and Bhutanese cultures is important for well-being among Bhutanese women in Utah.