Conceptualizing loneliness among a Hmong older adult group: Using an intersectionality framework.

Abstract

While loneliness afflicts older adults throughout the world, refugee older adults experience heightened loneliness as a result of war-related trauma, loss, and marginalized cultural values in host countries. This study aimed to understand how Hmong older adults, an aging refugee group in the United States, conceptualize loneliness. This study was part of a constructivist grounded theory study employing an intersectionality framework to understand how community-dwelling Hmong older adults experience loneliness. Semistructured interviews were conducted in the Hmong language with 17 Hmong older adults aged 65 and older in Northern California. Using grounded theory analysis, data were collected and analyzed in a comparative and iterative process. Participants conceptualized loneliness as a negative experience with pervasive trauma. Loneliness was represented through physical complaints and emotional expressions and ranged in intensity as temporary and chronic. These experiences of loneliness were influenced by an intersectional identity, which varied based on the context in the premigration, displacement, and postmigration phases. The findings from this study highlight the value of employing an intersectionality framework to tease out nuanced meanings of loneliness influenced by social identities in the different contexts of migration, specifically for older and aging refugees. Implications for practice suggest greater culturally and linguistically responsive services informed by refugee older adults. What is the public significance of this article?This article provides knowledge on understanding loneliness as a phenomenon experienced by Hmong older adults in the context of shifting and complex power and privilege. The findings help to inform culturally and linguistically responsive practices and research to advance greater equitable care for Hmong older adults.

Intergenerational trauma and resilience among second-generation Southeast Asian Americans.

“…Since we learned that context and presence of other SEAAs is critical in shaping one's experiences as a cultural being, future research could include a larger sample from different geographic locations. As noted, the Hmong and lu Mien representation was limited in this project underscoring the need to include the complex stories of this community that emphasize their cultural knowledge and intersectional identities (Vang et al, 2023;Vue & Mouavangsou, 2021).…”

“…We used grounded theory as our qualitative method and approach because it centers on emerging and developing theory and it has been implemented with historically targeted communities (Chan et al, 2015; Vang et al, 2023). We were especially interested in emerging that integrates the lived experiences of SEAA adults and their social, cultural, and familial dynamics.…”