Talk looks at how to help foster mental health for immigrant women

close up of two immigrant women

Immigrant women often experience a disproportionate share of mental health concerns and mental illness, but strategies to help foster mental health are not well understood.

That’s what Judith MacDonnell, a professor in York’s School of Nursing in the Faculty of Health, will address at an upcoming talk presented by the Echo Chair in Women’s Mental Health Research office.

MacDonnell’s presentation, Activism and Well-being for Immigrant Women: Grounded Theory Insights, will take place Wednesday, March 7, from noon to 1pm, at 280N York Lanes, Keele campus.

Judith MacDonnell

MacDonnell is the principal investigator of the study, “Exploring How Immigrant Women Conceptualize Activism: Implications for Mental Health Promotion”, which is funded by CERIS and the Faculty of Health. This participatory policy study explores the relationship between immigrant women’s activism and mental health promotion.

A grounded theory study, it explores how immigrant women themselves express their agency and describe their political activism, and the meanings it has for them in relation to the settlement process.

The study’s findings will inform relevant policy and program support which can facilitate meaningful life experiences and welcoming communities, foster social integration, and promote health and well-being.

For more information or to RSVP, e-mail the owhchair@yorku.ca.