Degree Date

6-2023

Document Type

Dissertation - Public Access

Degree Name

Psy.D. Doctor of Clinical Psychology

Academic Discipline

Clinical Psychology - Florida School of Professional Psychology

First Advisor

Gary Howell, PsyD

Second Advisor

Lisa Costas, PhD

Abstract

Part of the South Asian diaspora, the Indo-Caribbean community is a particularly marginalized minority community as a result of colonialism. Indo-Caribbeans are only considered the majority ethnic group in the country of Guyana, where there is a high rate of suicide mostly among Indo-Caribbean men who view it as a behavioral expression of emotional distress. From the research available, the Indo-Caribbean experience of mental health access in the Caribbean is limited due to improper collection and reporting of demographic information. Indo-Caribbeans who were raised from a young age or born outside of the Caribbean community region, often experience discrimination and a sense of confusion because of nonacceptance of their ethnic, racial or cultural identity. The objective of this clinical research project is to evaluate the impact of colonial rule on the identity and culture of Indo-Caribbeans, investigate the historical and current climate regarding mental health practices impacting Indo-Caribbeans, and analyze how racial identity models can be applied to the Indo-Caribbean community living outside of the Caribbean community. The Indo-Caribbean hybrid racial identity model is proposed to address the unique cultural struggles that impact Indo-Caribbean mental health and racial identity. The Indo-Caribbean hybrid racial identity model includes seven stages of identity development: ethnic awareness, ethnogenesis racialization, dissonance, redirection, awakening, reconciliation, and fusion. This review adds to a growing body of investigation of the Indo-Caribbean experience from members of the community involved in research, academia, and advocacy.

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