Expatriate mental health

Abstract

This paper reviews the historical aspects of expatriate mental health, and comments on the paucity of literature in the medical and psychiatric journals. Data obtained from 397 expatriate probands examined during overseas service are described. It was noted that there was a high incidence of affective and adjustment disorders. The results showed six areas significantly related to those with affective disorders at interview, namely a history of consultation for psychological problems in out-patient departments or with the patient's own doctor, a history of depressed mood, and a family history of suicide, psychosis or personality disorder. Subjects with adjustment disorders at interview showed a significant positive correlation with four stressors (occupational anxiety, home country anxieties, acculturation and physical ill-health), but showed a negative association with a past personal history of consultation for psychological problems at out-patient departments or with their own doctors. These findings are discussed and practical applications suggested for improving expatriate mental health.

Associations between Lifestyle and Mental Health in a Group of Japanese Overseas Workers and Their Spouses Resident in Duesseldorf, Germany

“…Lifestyle factors have been reported to influence both physical health [1][2][3][4] and mental health 3,5,6) . Although living and working abroad has been shown to be associated with many challenges that could adversely affect their mental health [7][8][9][10] , the incidence of mental health problems among Japanese overseas workers and their accompanying spouses is not precisely known.…”

Characterizing the global context for cross-cultural healthcare work by regions of the world

“…7,8,10 In a review of the literature, Foyle and Watson reported a high incidence of affective and adjustment disorders among career missionaries. 10,25 The PRISM Study found 60.1 and 65.8% of men and women to have experienced a moderate to serious bout of anxiety, and 45.0 and 55.5% of men and women to have experienced a moderate to serious bout of depression.…”

“…7,8,10 In a review of the literature, Foyle and Watson reported a high incidence of affective and adjustment disorders among career missionaries. 10,25 The PRISM Study found 60.1 and 65.8% of men and women to have experienced a moderate to serious bout of anxiety, and 45.0 and 55.5% of men and women to have experienced a moderate to serious bout of depression. 26 As a baseline for comparison, the lifetime prevalence of depression among physicians in the U.S. is 12% for men age 45-54 and 19.5% for women, although the method of measurement used was different from that used in the PRISM Study.…”

“…Healthcare missionaries also experience significant levels of anxiety associated with occupational issues, acculturation, and physical illness. 10,11 Added administrative and leadership responsibilities are also contributing factors. In recent years, however, many authors have pointed to a need for increased research in the field to better support healthcare mission-aries.…”

Expatriates and non-expatriates: Effects of cultural intelligence and multicultural personality on passion for work and satisfaction with life

“…In this study, we assume as expatriates the employees who are sent by their organization to work in one of its foreign branches or subsidiaries (Siers, 2007) to accomplish a job-related goal (Sinangil & Ones, 2003). When their assignment is completed they return to their original country (Foyle, Beer, & Watson, 1998). This assignment can be a short-term international one, defined as a "temporary internal transfer to a foreign subsidiary of between one and twelve months duration" (Collings, Scullion, & Morley, 2007, p. 205) or a long-term international assignment.…”