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Primary Submission Category: Social/relational factors
A Life History Approach to Identifying Sources of Distress among South Asians, and Assessment of Storytelling as a Mental Health Intervention
Authors: Naheed Ahmed, Saikat Talukder, Haroon Zafar, Sabiha Sultana, Hemalatha Naik, Sadia Obaidul, Sirazam Munira, Zakia Hossain, Klara Wichterle, Alka Kanaya, Namratha Kandula, Nadia Islam,
Presenting Author: Naheed Ahmed*
Introduction
The Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) is the first longitudinal cohort study of South Asian Americans. Building on a qualitative component of MASALA, this study integrated life history interviews using a trauma informed approach to examine lifetime sources of distress. In addition to conducting these interviews, participants were invited to a storytelling workshop, which we assessed as a potential mental health intervention.
Methods
A total of 41 life history interviews were conducted with a subsample of MASALA participants with low and high depressive symptoms, focusing on their childhood, education and employment, migration to the U.S., life in the U.S., and historical and contemporary sources of trauma. Interviews were conducted in Bangla, Urdu, Hindi, and English. Audio recordings of interviews were translated and transcribed to English. Modified grounded theory was used to analyze data, including an iterative process for codebook development, double coding of transcripts, and reviewing code outputs for common and unique themes. Data were analyzed using Dedoose. Two storytelling workshops were held and evaluations conducted with facilitators and participants.
Results
Preliminary findings indicate multifaceted life trajectories. Many participants shared joyful memories of their childhood related to close relationships with family and friends, and celebrating religious and cultural holidays. Motivations for migrating to the U.S. varied among participants, such as family reunification and socioeconomic opportunities. Participants recounted painful and lasting memories from the conflicts in South Asia (e.g., communal violence, war). Preliminary storytelling workshop evaluations suggest participants thought the workshop was effective and engaging.
Discussion
These findings highlight the importance of a trauma informed approach to understanding participant experiences, and health outcomes. We are still analyzing differences between participants with low and high depressive symptoms, and have identified significant sources of trauma and resilience among participants. Preliminary findings suggest storytelling has the potential to improve mental health, and as a community-based intervention may be more acceptable to participants.