Mental Health Promotion Among Newcomer Female Youth: Post-Migration Experiences and Self-Esteem
Nazilla Khanlou, Morton Beiser, Ester Cole, Marlinda Freire,
Ilene Hyman and Kenise Murphy Kilbride
June 2002
The research and publication of this study were funded by Status of Women Canada's
Policy Research Fund. This document expresses the views of the authors and does not
necessarily represent the official policy of Status of Women Canada or the
Government of Canada.
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National Library of Canada cataloguing in publication data
Main entry under title: Mental health promotion among newcomer female youth [electronic resource]: post-migration experiences and self-esteem
Issued also in French under title: Promotion de la santé mentale des jeunes immigrantes.
Includes bibliographical references.
Issued also in print format.
ISBN 0-662-32084-0
Cat. No. SW21-93/2002E-IN
1. Women immigrants — Mental health — Canada.
2. Young women — Mental health — Canada.
3. Mental health promotion — Canada.
4. Women immigrants, Services for — Canada.
I. Khanlou, Nazilla, 1965-.
II. Canada. Status of Women Canada.
HQ1453.M46 2002 305.235'08691 C2002-980123-0
Abstract
This report describes the findings of a study that examined mental health promotion issues
of newcomer female youth attending secondary school. Particular attention was paid to
influences promoting or challenging the youths’ self-esteem. The study was conducted in
Toronto, Ontario and was influenced by a participatory action research framework. Data
were gathered through focus groups with female youth and with school educators, and in
interviews with parents, and school and community health centre workers. The emerging
picture of the youth participants was of a dynamic self which drew from a rich source of
experiences, knowledge and sensitivity to context. The youth identified multiple sources of
influence on how they felt about themselves. Relationships with parents and friends played
an important supportive role. One major concern of the youth was their belief that they were
not proficient in English. Systems issues, which created settlement barriers for youth and
their parents in Canadian society, were identified. The youth evaluated their involvement
in the study as a positive experience. The report concludes with policy implications and
recommendations for various systems. As part of this process, it is suggested that the
explication of values underlying policies and initiatives be a necessary component of
mental health promotion strategies directed at newcomer female youth.
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