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Abularrage TF, Wurtz HM, Samari G. Responding to structural inequities: Coping strategies among immigrant women during COVID-19. SSM - MENTAL HEALTH 2024; 5:100293. [PMID: 38910842 PMCID: PMC11192517 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmmh.2023.100293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Examining coping strategies and resilience among immigrant communities reflects a commitment to working with immigrant communities to understand their needs while also identifying and building upon their strengths. In the United States, the physical, emotional, and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic intersected with existing structural inequities to produce distinct challenges and stressors related to the pandemic, immigration, caregiving responsibilities, and structural xenophobia. Leveraging an understanding of the multilevel effects of stress, this qualitative study explores individual, interpersonal, and community-level coping strategies immigrant women used to respond to, alleviate, or reduce distress related to these compounding stressors. Using semi-structured in-depth interviews conducted in 2020 and 2021 with 44 first- and second-generation cisgender immigrant women from different national origins and 19 direct service providers serving immigrant communities in New York City, data were coded and analyzed using a constant comparative approach. Four central themes were identified: caregiving as a source of strength, leveraging resources, social connections, and community support. While women described a range of coping strategies they used to manage stressors and challenges, perspectives from direct service providers also connect these coping strategies to the harm-generating institutions, policies, and structures that produce and uphold structural oppression and inequities. Accounts from service providers point to the detrimental long-term effects of prolonged coping, underscoring a duality between resilience and vulnerability. Exploring the coping strategies cisgender immigrant women used to ease distress and promote resilience during a period of heightened structural vulnerability is critical to centering the experiences of immigrant women while simultaneously directing attention towards addressing the fundamental causes of cumulative disadvantage and the systems and structures through which it is transmitted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara F. Abularrage
- Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Heather M. Wurtz
- Anthropology Department, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
- Research Program on Global Health & Human Rights, Human Rights Institute, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
- Population Studies and Training Center, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Goleen Samari
- Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Oliveira J, Nienaber B, Bissinger J, Gilodi A, Richard C, Albert I. Double transition of young migrants in Luxembourg: vulnerable, resilient and empowering integration trajectories in the period of youth. FRONTIERS IN SOCIOLOGY 2024; 9:1230567. [PMID: 38799208 PMCID: PMC11119283 DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2024.1230567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Migrant integration trajectories have become more complex, open, uncertain, and continuously changing, over time. For young migrants, their integration endeavour intersects with their process of transition to adulthood, a double transition that poses additional challenges. Recent theoretical perspectives such as "liquid integration" aim at focusing on the dynamic, processual, and temporal nature of migrant integration. The present article focuses on the dynamic interplay of obstacles and enablers that, over time, interact to construct complex, often non-linear, and open-ended integration and coming of age trajectories of young migrants (aged from 18 to 30 years) coming from outside the European Union (EU) to EU countries. Empirical results from the H2020 MIMY (Empowerment through liquid Integration of Migrant Youth in vulnerable conditions) research project in Luxembourg will be presented. In order to address the goal of the research, qualitative data were gathered by means of N = 38 interviews with young migrants with different migratory paths, characteristics and experiences, and specifically included: young migrants from non-EU Portuguese-speaking countries (N = 16), refugees living in reception centres (N = 15), migrants who since arriving in Luxembourg have become publicly visible (N = 7). Content analysis of the interviews allowed a twofold purpose: (1) capturing the unfolding of intersectional integration obstacles that over time play a decisive role in the building of conditions of vulnerability of the double transition under analysis; (2) capturing the multidimensional resources that interactively build up to give rise to resilient and empowering integration and coming of age experiences. The identification of decisive multidimensional obstacles and resources present in the integration endeavour during the process of coming of age allowed us to capture differentiated routes of vulnerability, on the one hand, and resilience/ empowerment on the other. Key ingredients of both vulnerable and more resilient and empowering integration and coming of age trajectories are identified as well as their relational dynamics, enabling to address key challenges for the resilience and empowerment of young migrants in the process of negotiating their transition to adulthood amidst their integration challenges in the Luxembourgish society.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Oliveira
- Department DGEO, University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Birte Nienaber
- Department DGEO, University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Jutta Bissinger
- Department DGEO, University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Amalia Gilodi
- Department DBCS, University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | | | - Isabelle Albert
- Department DBCS, University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
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Mattelin E, Paidar K, Söderlind N, Fröberg F, Korhonen L. A systematic review of studies on resilience and risk and protective factors for health among refugee children in Nordic countries. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024; 33:667-700. [PMID: 35445318 PMCID: PMC10894096 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-022-01975-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The Nordic welfare model is often used as an example for the promotion of health and wellbeing, even in vulnerable groups of children, such as refugees. Nonetheless, there are no published reviews on resilience and/or risk and protective factors for physical and mental health among refugee children living in Nordic countries. In this systematic review, we identified 5181 studies on the topic, screened titles, and abstracts, viewed 632, and finally included 26 studies. These studies described 18 samples with a total of 34,080 individuals ranging in ages 0-18 years. Overall, the studies were of good quality. Nearly all studies assessed adversity. Six studies reported physical health outcomes and all studies mental health outcomes, most often post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety. None explicitly studied resilience. While we found that age and sex are the most frequently studied risk- and protective factors, findings are inconclusive, since the direction of the associations was different in the different studies. This systematic review indicates that there is still a need for well-designed and -powered studies using clear definitions of key study concepts to examine health outcomes and resilience among refugee children in Nordic countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Mattelin
- Barnafrid and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Kristina Paidar
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Region Halland, Kungsbacka, Sweden
| | - Natalie Söderlind
- Barnafrid and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Frida Fröberg
- Barnafrid and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Laura Korhonen
- Barnafrid and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
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Sáenz R, Montes-de-Oca Zavala V, Angel JL. Resilience of Older Latinos and Mexicans Before and During the Pandemic. J Aging Health 2023; 35:763-766. [PMID: 37300390 DOI: 10.1177/08982643231182544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This article introduces the special issue on Aging and Resilience in the Americas: Mexico and the United States. The article overviews the role that the annual International Conference on Aging in the Americas (ICAA) has played in the development of scholarship on aging of Latinos in the United States and older persons in Latin America and the Caribbean. A brief overview of the aging literature reveals a growing interest on the resiliency of older Latino and Latin American populations in the United States and more broadly the Americas. The article provides a short description of each of the five articles included in this special issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rogelio Sáenz
- Department of Demography, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Verónica Montes-de-Oca Zavala
- Instituto de Investigaciones Sociales, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, México, México
| | - Jacqueline L Angel
- LBJ School of Public Affairs, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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Hyseni Duraku Z, Jahiu G, Geci D. Intergenerational trauma and war-induced PTSD in Kosovo: insights from the Albanian ethnic group. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1195649. [PMID: 37637887 PMCID: PMC10449605 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1195649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction War has profound and deep-rooted ramifications for individuals and societies. War-induced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is highly prevalent in Kosovo. This study aimed to obtain insights into the prevalence of perceived PTSD symptoms and their relation to the traumatic experiences of two generations: parents (survivors of the Kosovo War) and youth (children born after the Kosovo War), with an emphasis on the Albanian ethnic group. These experiences were then compared to understand intergenerational trauma. The study also aimed to identify the factors affecting PTSD prevalence, the role of social support, and the participants' experience with mental health services. Method A total of 237 Kosovar Albanians (121 parents, 116 youth) from all seven districts of Kosovo were included in this study. Study variables were measured using the PTSD Checklist, the Life Events Checklist, Criterion A, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Results The results revealed that the youth had significantly higher levels of perceived PTSD symptoms and lower levels of perceived support than their parents. Youth whose parents had PTSD were more prone to experiencing PTSD symptoms than those whose parents did not have PTSD. These youth also experienced significantly more traumatic situations, such as exposure to sudden violent death or accidental death, assault with a weapon, sexual assault, and captivity. Participants with perceived PTSD and lower perceived social support needed mental health interventions significantly more than those without PTSD symptoms. Discussion The findings emphasize the importance of addressing the intergenerational nature of PTSD and identifying factors affecting its prevalence, including social support and access to mental health services. The study underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to examine the complex and diverse nature of PTSD and its impact on individuals, families, and communities, especially in conflict-prone or conflict-affected societies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Genta Jahiu
- Department of Psychology, University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina”, Prishtina, Kosovo
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Migliorini L, Olcese M, Cardinali P, Prestia D. Community resilience among Ukrainian refugees: what is the role of the host community in recovery from forced migration? Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1206304. [PMID: 37599879 PMCID: PMC10435247 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1206304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Migliorini
- Department of Educational Science, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Martina Olcese
- Department of Educational Science, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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Mylord M, Moran JK, Özler G, Nassar R, Anwarzay S, Hintz SJ, Schouler-Ocak M. The dynamics of discrimination, resilience, and social support in the mental health of migrants with and without citizenship. Int Rev Psychiatry 2023; 35:352-361. [PMID: 37267027 DOI: 10.1080/09540261.2023.2190409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Perceived discrimination has a significant negative impact on indices of mental health. One potential buffering factor in this is psychological resilience, which encompasses the ability to recover from or adapt successfully to adversity and use coping strategies, such as positive reappraisal of adverse events. This study examines the role of resilience as well as social support in buffering these effects in groups of migrants both with and without local residence permits. We conducted a non-experimental observational study with a cross-sectional design, collecting a variety of health variables in migrant groups in a naturalistic setting, during the COVID-19 period. The total sample consisted of 201 subjects, 88 of whom had a German residence title and 113 did not. These two groups were compared on the following variables of interest: social support, resilience, discrimination, and general mental health. There was no evidence for a difference in mental health between migrants with and without citizenship. However, our results suggested that migrants without citizenship reported less social support, less resilience, and more discrimination, which continued to have a distinct effect on mental health beyond resilience and social support. Psychological resilience mediated the link between social support and mental health, as well as being related to the perception of discrimination in the migrant group without citizenship. In conclusion, our models of migrants with and without citizenship showed that resilience specifically directly affected perceived discrimination in those without citizenship. The high levels of discrimination and lack of social support, particularly in the migrant group without citizenship, are concerning and suggest a focus for future interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Mylord
- Psychiatric University Clinic of Charite at St. Hedwig Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - James K Moran
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Multisensory Integration Lab, Charite Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gözde Özler
- Psychiatric University Clinic of Charite at St. Hedwig Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Racha Nassar
- Psychiatric University Clinic of Charite at St. Hedwig Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Shahram Anwarzay
- Psychiatric University Clinic of Charite at St. Hedwig Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Soraya-Julia Hintz
- Psychiatric University Clinic of Charite at St. Hedwig Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Meryam Schouler-Ocak
- Psychiatric University Clinic of Charite at St. Hedwig Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Orang TM, Missmahl I, Thoele AM, Valensise L, Brenner A, Gardisi M, Peter H, Kluge U. New directions in the mental health care of migrants, including refugees-A randomized controlled trial investigating the efficacy of value-based counselling. Clin Psychol Psychother 2022; 29:1433-1446. [PMID: 35199419 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Specialized literature has identified a need for evidence-based, low-threshold, short-term, and intracultural psychological interventions that can be made available to migrants, including refugees, who suffer from psychological symptoms in host countries. The objective of the present study is to measure the efficacy of value-based counselling (VBC) as such an intervention. METHOD We conducted a pragmatic, rater-blinded randomized controlled trial employing a pre-post control group design to assess the efficacy of VBC based on a study sample of 103 migrants, including refugees, who resided in Germany at the time. A set of instruments was used to evaluate primary outcome measures of depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, perceived stress, generalized anxiety, and somatic complaints. RESULTS Per protocol analysis included 42 participants in the VBC group, and 43 in the waiting list. Compared with participants in the waiting-list group, the VBC group, following an average of four counselling sessions, experienced a clinically meaningful reduction of depression (adjusted difference 7.06, 95% CI [4.86, 9.26], effect size 0.68, p < .001), PTSD (adjusted difference 17.15, 95% CI [10.49, 23.81], effect size 0.76, p < .001), perceived stress (adjusted difference 9.25, 95% CI [6.23, 12.27], effect size 0.75, p < .001), anxiety (adjusted difference 5.34, 95% CI [3.47, 7.20], effect size 0.70, p < .001), and somatic complaints (adjusted difference 5.52, 95% CI [3.30, 7.74], effect size 0.72, p < .001). The positive outcomes were maintained at 3-month follow-up. Utilization of mental health services was significantly reduced at the 3-month follow-up conducted with participants of the VBC group. CONCLUSIONS VBC, a culturally sensitive and strength-based mental health service, is an effective short-term intervention which meets the specific mental health needs of migrants, including refugees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Mina Orang
- Ipso gGmbH - International Psychosocial Organisation, Berlin, Germany.,Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Inge Missmahl
- Ipso gGmbH - International Psychosocial Organisation, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna-Maria Thoele
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Livia Valensise
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna Brenner
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maryam Gardisi
- Ipso gGmbH - International Psychosocial Organisation, Berlin, Germany
| | - Helmut Peter
- Medizinisches Versorgungszentrum Falkenried, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Kluge
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany.,Berliner Institut für empirische Integrations- und Migrationsforschung (BIM), Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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