Perceptions and experiences of Pakistani-descent female adolescents on developing sexuality and its relation to psychological wellbeing
Abstract
The sexual health needs of female immigrant adolescents in Canada have been largely unmet and have increased in magnitude over the last few years. For immigrant female adolescents of Pakistani descent, who are also racialized youth in Canada, the silence around issues of sexuality needs can affect their physical, emotional, and sexual health and well-being, and ability to reach their full potential. Evidence suggests that immigrant adolescents lack sexual and reproductive health knowledge and use fewer sexual health-related services and sex education resources than do non-immigrant youth. In Pakistani immigrant adolescents, this difference appears to be associated with sociocultural and religious practices. The overarching purpose of this dissertation is to contribute towards improving sexual health of female immigrant adolescents living in Canada. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively explore the experience of developing sexuality and its relationship to developing identity and well-being in middle- to late- female adolescents of Pakistani-descent, living in a large urban area in Alberta, Canada. This study sought to create space for dialogue and to explore the perceived cultural influence on issues of sexuality that often arise among individuals from different cultural backgrounds using the postmodern feminist lens. An art-based strategy was used to conduct research with 21 female adolescents who were of first- or second-generation Pakistani-descent. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and having participants create a relevant timeline.
Notes
Key recommendations:
1) Approach sexual health education and healthcare with cultural awareness and intersectionality regarding race, ethnicity, culture and religion.
2) Develop youth-oriented policies that increase awareness and address barriers in the evolving sexuality of immigrant youth.
Community organizations: n/a
Future research / gaps identified: Not stated
Integration timeline: first and second generation immigrants
Key findings:
1) The intersection of gender and patriarchy create layers of power and oppression in adolescents’ lives that tightly control their sexuality
2) Silences around all aspects of female sexuality negatively affect the youth’s capacity for desire and pleasure
3) Living in a bicultural world can cause significant stress and anxiety among female adolescents, especially when making personal life decisions related to sexuality
Key population: Female Pakistani youth ages 14 to 19 years old who were either first or second generation immigrants
Location: Edmonton, AB
Open access: Yes