Thesis Overview
Part 1: A Systematic Review
This review aims to understand the relationship between acculturation and psychosis. Findings from fourteen studies are presented through a narrative synthesis. Results indicated that the relationship between acculturation and psychosis appears to be inconsistent and that multiple confounding factors such as language, culture and ethnicity may be influencing the relationship. Clinical and research implications of findings are discussed.
Part 2: An Empirical Paper
This paper aims to explore perceived EE in the South Asian context for individuals with a first episode of psychosis (FEP) understand the impact of perceived EE on clinical outcomes for individuals with a FEP. A mixed methods design was used to address these aims (i.e. thematic analysis and exploratory statistical analysis). Interviews were conducted with 24 individuals for the qualitative and/or the quantitative study. Results indicate four main categories: connection and support, understanding and awareness, boundaries and independence, and context and influence. These themes are understood in relation to acculturation, gender roles, generational differences, and stigma. For the second aim, significant correlations were found between perceived EE such as the LEE and clinical symptoms such as the HADS and PSYRATS. Limitations are discussed and recommendations are made for future research
Part 3: A Critical Appraisal
This chapter offers a critical reflection on the process of research and follows the journey of clinical research from study design, recruitment, and interview through to analysis and writing
