Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions of Pakistani-Americans

Parallel to the experiences of other migrant communities, Pakistani-Americans continue to deal with post-migration stressors. These stressors affect the overall peace and healthy environment of families. This exploratory study examines the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of Pakistani-Americans in the Sacramento area regarding what constitutes a healthy and peaceful family. Data were obtained through interviews with five Pakistani females and five males, using the snowball sampling method. The findings suggest that stressors for Pakistani-Americans are related to acculturation issues and living in a post-9/11 environment. Religious belief is the only coping mechanism for this community. Cultural barriers and concerns related to cultural competency of service providers prevent them from seeking mental health services. Recommendations are discussed based on the findings.