Ethnic group, acculturation, and psychiatric problems in young immigrants

Abstract

There is a complex pattern of adaptation in cultural context and idiosyncratic relationships between distinct psychiatric symptom groups and socio-cultural factors. Information about the differentiated vulnerability of gender, generation, and ethnic groups to psychiatric morbidity is important to identify groups at special risk, and to produce interventions that are tailored to their needs. Future studies should examine how cultural factors contribute both to resilience and to an increased vulnerability to psychiatric problems.

Problemas de Conducta y Depresión entre Refugiados no Acom-pañados: La asociación entre el impacto del trauma pre-migratorio y la aculturación

“…Culture competence involves knowledge and skills about communication (both verbal and non-verbal) and about culturally embedded patterns of behavior and the values underlying these (Oppedal, Røysamb, & Sam, 2004;Oppedal, 2006). Earlier studies have shown associations between increasing levels of host (majority society) and ethnic (country of origin) culture competence and lower levels of internalizing and externalizing problems among adolescents with immigrant backgrounds beyond effects of socioeconomic status, length of stay and gender (Oppedal, Røysamb, & Sam, 2004;Oppedal, Røysamb, & Heyerdahl, 2005). Thus, they may be conceptualized as protective factors of mental health.…”

Acute Psychiatric Problems among Migrants Living in Switzerland- a Retrospective Study from a Swiss University Emergency Department

“…The implications of migration for the mental health are widely accepted, and immigrants are classified as a high risk group for mental health problems [3][4][5][6].…”

Contextual Conditions for Acculturation and Adjustment of Adolescent Immigrants – Integrating Theory and Findings

“…During exploration they may also seek contexts that are relevant for their ethnic identity, such as their ethnic or religious group. An achieved ethnic identity has been linked to a better psychological adjustment, whereas an ethnic identity crisis, where adolescents are unsure about their ethnic identity and unable to commit to any group, has been linked with externalising and internalising problems (Oppedal, Røysamb, & Heyerdahl, 2005).…”