A pilot study in managing Anxiety and Stress in Cross-Cultural Encounters among Chinese-Australians (Beyondblue community grant in collaboration with Chinese Australian Services Society)

Project Status
Completed

Chief Investigators
Bibiana Chan

Rationale

This project involved the delivery of ‘Assertive Communication Skills’, involving six 90 minutes weekly sessions, to help Chinese-Australians manage their stress and anxiety in cross-cultural encounters in everyday settings. This project also sought to bridge the cultural gap by equipping participants with culturally appropriate skills. In 2009, around 30 Chinese migrants were recruited for two workshops, one in Mandarin and one in Cantonese. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) and Suinn-Lew Self-identification Acculturation Scale (SL-ASIA) were administered at baseline. Post-workshop measure will be collected in early 2010.

Aims

The aim of the project is to provide training on “Assertive Communication Skills” to low acculturated (more traditional) Chinese-Australians. This would help bridging the cultural gap of Chinese-Australians by equipping them with culturally appropriate assertive communication skills for cross-cultural encounters.

Design and Method

Mixed Method with quantitative questionnaires and qualitative narratives.

Key Publications

Chan, B. (2010). Assertive Communication Program for Chinese Australians - Final Report Available: http://unsworks.unsw.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/unsworks:8378?