Perceptions and Stigma of Cannabis Use in Chinese Families in Canada and Mainland China
About the Project
Cannabis legalization in Canada brings to the forefront a variety of public health concerns. Despite its longstanding illegal status, cannabis use is widespread and increasingly discussed as a normalized activity among older youth as a way of 'fitting in' with peers. The legalization of cannabis creates new challenges for parents, and perhaps more so for new immigrant families who are from countries that have generally high sanctions against cannabis use. Thus, the use of cannabis---like alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs---is more highly stigmatized in certain populations. Conflicting cultural values and beliefs about drug use can lead to family conflict and pose even greater challenges for these youths' sense of self and belonging.
Unfortunately, there is limited research on cannabis use among ethnic minority and immigrant families in Canada. Canada has the second highest foreign-born population in the world (21.9%), and 61.8% are from Asian countries (Statistics Canada, 2017). One in five of Asian newcomers were from China. Thus, our aim is to contribute to knowledge mobilization by informing resources and services designed to provide community support, strengthen family relationships, improve communication, and alleviate dysfunction. Focusing on first- and second-generation Chinese youth and their families in Canada will allow researchers to investigate the impact of cultural and social factors on cannabis use and to examine whether the normalization thesis is applicable to this ethnic group.
The key research questions of the study are to explore: (1) How is cannabis use understood in Chinese-Canadian communities with respect to attitudes, beliefs, and social stigma?; (2) What are the perceived motivations, benefits, and risks of cannabis use?; and (3) What are the youths' and parents' experiences regarding parent-youth communication, parental monitoring, and family conflicts arising around cannabis use?
Considering the cultural sensitivity of the topic, our methodological strategies include: (1) In-person/video focus groups: to gain insights into the attitudes and beliefs towards cannabis use and social stigma among youth and parents. Questions will also examine parent-youth relationships, with particular attention to patterns of communication, monitoring, disclosure, and family cohesion. Focus groups will be conducted separately by gender and age cohort (parents, youth) to allow for more disclosure and observance of specific cultural norms and practices; (2) In-person/video family interviews: to focus on youths' and parents' personal views and experiences about cannabis use and how discussions or the lack thereof have impacted family communication, dynamics, and relationships. Discussions about explicit parenting strategies and practices related to cannabis use will be explored; and (3) online survey: to be designed based on existing surveys on cannabis use, and responses from the focus groups and family interviews to capture the cultural nuances and relevance to Chinese-Canadian families. A small, secondary sample from China will also be collected in an attempt to contextualize the native cultural values and beliefs.
This mixed-methods approach will garner in-depth and culturally meaningful information that researchers from various disciplines (e.g., family science, psychology, social work, social work) can use to advance their respective work. Also, this project ensures that youth and parents are consulted to inform development of programs and resources targeting the needs of Chinese and potentially more broadly, immigrant and ethnic minority communities. The findings can then be used for future workshops, services, and programs in the respective communities.