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  1. Home
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  3. Migration and Mental Health
  • Cited by 26
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Online publication date:
February 2011
Print publication year:
2010
Online ISBN:
9780511760990
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511760990
Subjects:
Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, Medicine, Psychiatry
Information

Book description

Human migration is a global phenomenon and is on the increase. It occurs as a result of 'push' factors (asylum, natural disaster), or as a result of 'pull' factors (seeking economic or educational improvement). Whatever the cause of the relocation, the outcome requires individuals to adjust to their new surroundings and cope with the stresses involved, and as a result, there is considerable potential for disruption to mental health. This volume explores all aspects of migration, on all scales, and its effect on mental health. It covers migration in the widest sense and does not limit itself to refugee studies. It covers issues specific to the elderly and the young, as well as providing practical tips for clinicians on how to improve their own cultural competence in the work setting. The book will be of interest to all mental health professionals and those involved in establishing health and social policy.

Reviews

'Readers and instructors interested in a broad introduction to issues concerning mental healthcare for migrant and ethnic minority populations will find this a useful volume.'

Source: Psychological Medicine

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Contents

Page 2 of 2

Contents
  • Chapter 20 - Migrants and mental health:
    pp 261-273
  • working across culture and language
  • View abstract

    Summary

    This chapter describes collective trauma as an under-recognised but salient response to various types of massive traumas resulting from disasters and representing the negative impact on social processes at the collective level. It also describes the effect of collective trauma on migration and settlement in the host country and various interventions that can be used in such contexts. Disasters have an effect not only on individuals, but also on their family, ethnic group, community and wider society. The widespread problem of collective traumatisation and loss of communality following disasters is best approached through family and community level interventions. Although migrants with collective trauma may initially resist attempts at socialisation, it is worthwhile encouraging and organising supportive intra- and inter-group interactions. Self-help, supportive and other types of groups based on similar backgrounds, gender or goals are helpful in ameliorating the effects of collective trauma and re-establish trust, relationships and networks.
  • Chapter 21 - Psychological therapies for immigrant communities
    pp 274-286
  • View abstract

    Summary

    This chapter describes the acculturative stress related to migration. The stress occurs as a result of cultural and psychological changes and can lead to mental health problems. Human migration has existed for centuries. The process of globalisation, which has recently affected all regions of the world, has also greatly impacted upon the mental health status of many of the migrants. There are a series of variables that play a major or minor role in the process of acculturation and in the level of acculturative stress. The behavioural variables are the ones that more traumatically and negatively impact on the migrant groups. Substance use/abuse is another behavioural variable related to the process of acculturation and to the negative impact of acculturative stress on migrant/minority populations as they interact and have contact with the majority/host society. Stress has certainly existed since humans became a part of the universe.
  • Chapter 22 - Ethno-psychopharmacology
    pp 287-298
  • View abstract

    Summary

    This chapter uses existing epidemiological data on the elderly to illustrate differences between migrant elders and the native ones. The relationship between migration and mental health in older people within the context of the UK is examined in the domains of demography, epidemiology of mental disorders and suicide in old age, access to services and potential ways forward to improve service access. In the UK, migrants are often referred to as black and minority ethnic (BME) individuals. The total number of elderly from all BME groups combined was 531909. The two most common mental disorders in old age are dementia and depression. The anticipated increase in psychiatric morbidity has enormous implications for the design, development and delivery of culturally capable, appropriate and sensitive Old Age Psychiatry Services (OAPSs) for BME elders. Over the past decade, the mental health of BME groups has become a national priority in the UK.
  • Chapter 24 - Mental health of migrants in China – is it a No Man’s Land?
    pp 313-322
  • View abstract

    Summary

    This chapter provides an overview of the impact of migration on children and the family, especially as childhood is socially constructed and culturally influenced. In considering child mental health, parenting and how this can be affected by migration is considered. It is well recognised that parenting and family life are significant factors in child mental health. Preschool children who experience trauma or separation may respond by showing the problems of anxious attachment. School-aged children may become withdrawn while adolescents may show destructive behaviour. The conceptualisation of mental health varies from culture to culture and factors other than culture (for example, education and socio-economic factors) may also influence the understanding of mental health and/or illness. Uncertainty about residency status can bring about its own stress. Children who are asylum seekers or refugees may suffer from conflict exposure prior to migration which is then compounded by the asylum process.
  • Chapter 25 - Immigrant and refugee mental health in Canada:
    pp 323-336
  • lessons and prospects
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  • View abstract

    Summary

    Migration will inevitably affect people of different genders in different ways. Women are more likely to have higher rates of psychiatric disorders and are also more likely to be carers, thereby experiencing additional stress, of which clinicians must be aware. Adjustment to a new country is based on acculturation. Predictors of mental health among migrants include variables of both traumatic and non-traumatic character. Women domestic workers in Asia are a specific population who need attention from mental health workers. Cultural alienation, a process in which individuals find themselves cut off from their culture, is considered to be a common risk factor for mental health problems. Much of the literature reviewed in this chapter indicates that immigrant women have unique problems that make them vulnerable to psychological distress. It is evident that prevention should start from the pre-migration stage itself. The feminisation of migration is increasing with globalisation and work opportunities.
  • Chapter 26 - Conclusions
    pp 337-338
  • View abstract

    Summary

    Lesbians, gays, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals have specific problems related to migration, adjustment and acculturation. In this chapter, the process of coming out and related issues, homophobia and heterosexism and bi-negativity are highlighted. It attempts to link these attitudes with migratory and post-migratory experiences, and explores specific issues in managing LGBT individuals. The number of LGBT individuals migrating and/or seeking refuge or asylum will vary according to a number of factors. In addition to the usual factors affecting migrants, there are specific complicating factors related to sexual identity. LGBT individuals may or may not feel comfortable with their own sexual identity, which will be influenced by social, biological and cultural factors. Coming out is described as the cultural process of gay existence. Homophobia is a term used to describe anti-homosexual feelings related to prejudice and negative attitudes expressed by individuals against gays and lesbians.

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