Biomedical subjects

Xinwei Esther Zhang

Publications and source records attributed to Xinwei Esther Zhang.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2003

Transforming vulnerability.

Asian American immigrant women engaged in filial caregiving are at special risk for health problems due to complex contextual factors related to immigration, cultural traditions, and role transition. This study examines the experience of two groups of immigrant Asian American women who are caring for older parents. A total of 41 women (22 Chinese American and 19 Filipino American) were interviewed in a study based on Strauss and Corbin's grounded theory methodology. The women were determined to be loyal to their traditional culture, which included strong filial values, while adapting to a new culture. Through the struggle of meeting role expectations and coping with paradox, the women mobilized personal and family resources to transform vulnerability into strength and well-being.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed2002

Cultural differences in responses to a Likert scale.

Cultural differences in responses to a Likert scale were examined. Self-identified Chinese, Japanese, and Americans (N=136, 323, and 160, respectively) recruited at ethnic or general supermarkets in Southern California completed a 13-question Sense of Coherence scale with a choice of either four, five, or seven responses in either Chinese, Japanese, or English. The Japanese respondents more frequently reported difficulty with the scale, the Chinese more frequently skipped questions, and both these groups selected the midpoint more frequently on items that involved admitting to a positive emotion than did the Americans, who were more likely to indicate a positive emotion. Construct validity of the scale tended to be better for the Chinese and the Americans when there were four response choices and for the Japanese when there were seven. Although culture affected response patterns, the association of sense of coherence and health was positive in all three cultural groups.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

Caregiving between two cultures: an integrative experience.

In 1995, more than half of elderly immigrants to the United States were born in Asia or the Pacific region. The purpose of this study was to describe the process of caring for elderly parents by Asian American women. Forty-one women (22 Chinese American and 19 Filipino American) caring for elderly parents were interviewed in a study based on Strauss and Corbin's grounded theory methodology (1990). Although the women were moderately acculturated, indications of being in transition were evident. Analysis of interview data led to development of a substantive theory of caregiving between two cultures, reflecting the paradox of living and caregiving by two sets of standards and worldviews. The primary strategies used to manage the caregiving challenges were connecting and calibrating. Through personal growth and finding meaning, the caregivers integrated the caregiver role into their lives and became more connected with their families and within themselves.

Acculturation↗