Year: 2023 / Volume: 3 / Number: 1
Voltisa Thartori, Dr., UCSI, Unitar International University
Nik A. Hisham Ismail, Prof. Dr., International Islamic University Malaysia
Faizah Idrus, Assoc.Prof., International Islamic University Malaysia
Siti Kholijah Kassim, Assis Prof., International Islamic University Malaysia
DOİ: http://doi.org/10.51331/A033
Paqe: 93-111
Full Text:
Abstract: The objective of this study is to explore the life experiences of 18 ethnic Albanian immigrants from Albania and Kosovo currently living in
Malaysia or who’d previously lived in Malaysia and currently live in Australia. Specifically, the study explores (i) the obstacles and barriers immigrants face in
Malaysia and (ii) the role stigmatization has had regarding the immigrants’ help-seeking behaviors. The study uses the phenomenological case study design and in-depth semi-structured interviews for collecting the data. The results show that narrations regarding phenomena such as cultural shock, permanent residence status, stigmatization toward the immigrants, and being labeled with terms such as Mat Salleh [Westerners] have adversely affected the immigrants’ mental well-being. In addition, the Albanian immigrants, especially the females, felt safer confiding their burdens and challenges with family members and close friends. Negative perceptions, stigmatization, and labeling are among the
psychological explanations the Albanian immigrants experienced. These inevitable shortfalls affect the immigrants’ mental well-being and correspond similarly to the experiences of many immigrants all over the world.
Keywords:ethnic Albanian, immigrants, mental well-being, phenomenological study, help-seeking behavior