Battling solitude: the experience of loneliness among Hong Kong Chinese immigrant youth

Abstract

This study examined the experience of loneliness among Hong Kong Chinese immigrant youth with the purpose of uncovering the influence of culture on the choice of coping strategies. From a health promotion perspective, understanding how loneliness is perceived and finding ways to effectively cope with it is crucial in the prevention of negative health outcomes. The study used a qualitative research design to examine the loneliness experience of 17 Hong Kong Chinese immigrant youth who had been living in Canada for at least one year. The study found that the experience of loneliness consisted of four interrelated components: antecedents, interpretations, coping strategies, and outcomes. These four components are intricately related to the adaptation process. The antecedents to the experience of loneliness signify the obstacles encountered in the adaptation process. The interpretations are reflective of their feelings during the adaptation process. The coping strategies are actions taken to facilitate the adaptation process and diminish negative feelings. The outcomes are indicative of the overall health status of the individual. The degree to which participants had adapted to life in Canada appeared to be related to their engagement in active versus passive coping strategies. Specifically, youth who interpreted their experience of loneliness positively were able to draw on more active coping strategies, which signalled greater advancements in the adaptation process. Conversely, use of passive coping strategies signalled a lack of progress. Results also suggested that Hong Kong Chinese youth may be at “triple jeopardy” for negative health outcomes when they first arrive in Canada. This is because they have not yet established strong social networks and are more likely to experience culture shock and engage in passive coping strategies. Developing and implementing interventions at this early stage would promote the use of active coping strategies, thereby preventing Chinese immigrant youth from getting into the negative feedback loop of passive coping strategies and negative health outcomes. Overall, findings from this study demonstrate that loneliness is a dynamic experience. This represents a departure from previous research on loneliness, which has tended to be more reactive in nature. Instead of perceiving individuals as reacting defensively to the causes of loneliness, where loneliness is predefined as a negative experience, individuals are actively involved in interpreting their experiences and selecting coping strategies. By showing the interrelationships among the four components of the loneliness experience, the framework presented in this study can help individuals make informed decisions that will ultimately minimize negative health outcomes and promote positive growth development. Achieving a state of physical, mental, and social well-being depends on individual efforts as well as the broader social and environmental context. To prevent negative health outcomes associated with loneliness for Hong Kong Chinese immigrant youth, it is crucial that social conditions foster a sense of acceptance towards life in Canada so that they are motivated to use active coping strategies. By ensuring that the broader social context facilitates the natural process of self-determination, Hong Kong Chinese immigrant youth will have the resources to overcome their predisposition towards passive coping strategies and will lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.