There is little knowledge about the causes of loneliness in Cambodian Americans. Cambodian Americans have high rates of trauma due to the Khmer Rouge Genocide and intergenerational conflict due to acculturative family distancing, which are risk factors for loneliness in other populations. For my dissertation project, I will conduct a mixed-methods study that will include a sample of first-generation and second-generation Cambodian Americans residing in New England. Participants will complete questionnaires on demographics, loneliness, and trauma. Next, participants will complete semi-structured interviews (approximately 8-10 participants per generational cohort) and/or focus groups (approximately 4-6 participants per group; two focus groups per cohort).  

Cambodian Americans underutilize mental health services partly due to a lack of culturally informed social services and interventions. Indeed, there is a limited behavioral health workforce trained to meet the needs of Cambodian Americans. The results of this study will produce evidence that can be used to educate clinicians about factors contributing to Cambodian Americans’ loneliness. Thus, results will help practitioners improve culturally informed services and interventions to target risks for loneliness.