ABSTRACT

Migration as a stressful process can be detrimental to the mental health of immigrants. However, social support may protect against those negative impacts. Volunteering is a venue for exchanging social support and boosting mental health. Taking an autoethnographic methodological approach and Frankl’s theoretical framework, I investigated how my volunteering experiences uplifted my mental health by opening some space to navigate social relationships and social support. I have explained my experienced ‘aha’ moments and transformations in my being and meaning in life. Those revelations highlight the importance of the culture of love and care in the elevation of ourselves and others.

摘要

迁移是一个压力很大的过程，可能会损害移民的心理健康。但是，社会支持可以防止这些负面影响。志愿服务是交换社会支持和增进心理健康的场所。我采用一种人种志方法论方法和弗兰克（Frankl）的理论框架，研究了我的志愿服务体验如何通过打开一些空间来引导社会关系和社会支持来提升我的心理健康。我已经解释了我经历过的“啊哈”时刻以及我的生命和意义的转变。这些启示凸显了爱与关怀文化对提升自己和他人的重要性。