Research Information
Purpose
The study aims to explore how cultural backgrounds influence the expression of
depression symptoms among young adults, focusing on differences and similarities
between East Asian (Chinese, Japanese, Korean) and White individuals.
To participate in this research study, you must meet the following criteria
Age between
18 and 24 years old.
Self-identify as either
Chinese, Japanese, Korean, or White.
Ability to speak and
read English fluently.
Self-reported history of a clinical depression diagnosis your card.
Who is conducting the study?
Dr. Farinaz Havaei
Principal Investigator
School of Nursing
University of British Columbia
Claire Song
Co-Investigator
PhD student, School of Nursing University of British Columbia
Dr. Susan Dahinten
Co-Investigator
School of Nursing
University of British Columbia
Dr. Saima Hirani
Co-Investigator
School of Nursing
University of British Columbia
*This research is conducted as part of Claire Song’s Ph.D. thesis project
Why should you take part in this study?
This study is about understanding how young adults from East Asian and
White backgrounds experience and show signs of depression differently.
By taking part, you can help with
Improve Understanding
Learn how cultural backgrounds influence depression expressions.
Enhance Care
Contribute to better, culturally sensitive detection of depression.
Your involvement in this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a greater understanding of cultural influences on depression expression, which is essential in shaping more effective and inclusive mental health services and policies.
What happens if you say “Yes, I want to be in the study”?
As a participant in our study, you will be involved in two main activities
Part I: Individual Think-Aloud Session
You will complete this session on your own and at a convenient location and time, before the part II activity.
During this session, we ask that you audio record yourself answering questions about depression and sharing any thoughts that come to mind while answering the questions.
You can use your personal device, such as your phone or a recording device provided by our research team.
Part II: Focus Group Discussion
This part of the study involves a group interview, known as a focus group, which will be conducted online via Zoom.
It will consist of 6-8 participants from the same ethnic group along with our research team, engaging in a 90-minute discussion about their experiences with depression symptoms and cultural influences.
Only participants and research team members will be present in the focus group. The entire session will be recorded for thorough analysis.
This is the Sequence of activities
Schedule for Part II
(Focuse Group)
Complete Part I
(approx 30min)
Attend Part II
(approx 90min)
Study Results
The results of this study will be reported in a graduate thesis
and may also be published in journal articles and books.