Intergenerational conflicts in the families of immigrant Chinese mental health service users in New Zealand: A qualitative study

BackgroundIntergenerational conflicts (IGCs) are a common feature of family life and are particularly salient in migrant families. Contributory cultural stressors include the acculturation gap.AimsThis qualitative study explored perceived psychological impacts of IGCs, contexts in which conflicts were experienced and responses to them, by individuals from immigrant New Zealand Chinese families receiving specialist mental healthcare.MethodTen adult participants, from both child and parent generations, took part in semi-structured interviews, which were transcribed, coded, and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsThree core themes were identified: (1) Types of IGCs and perceived associations with mental illness; (2) Family cultural factors associated with conflicts; and (3) Navigating IGCs and building resilience amid mental illness.ConclusionNarratives from this clinical sample of immigrant Chinese-New Zealand mental health service users suggest links between mental illness and intergenerational conflicts within specific personal contexts. Participants associated parenting practices that emphasise achievement, alongside cultural stressors such as the acculturation gap, with parent-child tensions and psychological distress. Biculturalism, faith, social support, and professional assistance are resources that may support resilience and intergenerational reconciliation.