The goals of the study were to describe immigrants and refugees’ perceptions and methods of seeking social support, and to identify mechanisms to strengthen support by identifying unmet support needs and services and programs and policies that might be helpful. [...] Miriam Stewart conducted a 3-year, multi-site research project entitled, “Multicultural Meanings of Social Support among Immigrants and Refugees.” The purpose of the study was to understand the meanings of social support for immigrants and refugees in Canada and to explore the types and adequacy of formal supports offered to immigrants and refugees. [...] Our primary research objectives were these: 1. To describe the meanings of social support from the perspective of immigrants and refugees, specifically, a) sources and types of support in Canada compared to homeland; b) appraisal of support in Canada compared to homeland; c) duration and changes in support over residency in Canada; and d) perceived impact on health, health behaviour, and use of he [...] The criteria for choosing the specific study sample for Phase Two from among newcomer groups included the size of immigrant and refugees populations in the three cities and experiences of multiple barriers to health and social services during settlement and integration in Canada. [...] The series of questions inquired about newcomers’ challenges and changing needs, the types of support programs provided by the agency, the respondent’s appraisal of supportive programs and strategies, and concepts of social support and its relationship to the health of newcomers.
- Pages
- 75
- Published in
- Canada
