The Chinese self: implications of Confucianism and Taoism for Chinese (im)migrants and counselling

Abstract

The question of how to provide an appropriate counselling service for ethnic minorities acquires new significance when a country like New Zealand is increasingly becoming culturally diverse. This thesis explores what it means to identify as Chinese within a Eurowestern setting, particularly in relation to culturally appropriate coping strategies. The thesis delves into two important influences on Chinese indigenous culture, namely Confucianism and Taoism, in order to uncover their tenacious influence on the contemporary Chinese self. Both philosophies have different healing and relieving functions. The thesis also explores how migrants with strong enculturation as Chinese selves in their early lives may respond to their host country's socio-cultural environment. For the purpose of this initial study I will be focusing on migrants from Mainland China in New Zealand, since they are the largest ethnic migrant group. I will review the literature within the wider, changing, global context. Although there are distinctive immigration-related issues directly affecting their psychological wellbeing, (im)migrants are typically offered only traditional Eurowestern counselling interventions. This thesis explores more culturally appropriate alternatives drawing particularly on Confucianism and Taoism. I conclude by offering recommendations for counsellors working with recent Chinese students and immigrants.