Stress and depression in the context of migration among Haitians in the United States

Strès ak Pwoblèm Pap Janm Fini: Deciphering migration-related stress from the perspectives of Haitian immigrants in Florida

“…Notably, migration-related symptoms expressed by interview participants support a preponderance for somatization when in distress, particularly among women. Consistent with prior research, the higher stress reported by women may also translate into an increased likelihood of poor mental health outcomes (Fanfan et al, 2020; Jaggers & MacNeil, 2015). Moreover, lack of formal and informal help-seeking behaviors in our findings, while consistent with prior studies among Haitians (Carson et al, 2010; Nicolas et al, 2009), are concerning and denote focal areas for future research exploration.…”

“…The demographic questionnaire and DIS were translated from English to Creole using back-translation and forward-translation approaches provided by the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy translation guidelines (Eremenco et al, 2005). Translation procedures are described in more detail elsewhere (Fanfan et al, 2020).…”

“…These depictions have compounded already existing stereotypes and negative labels (e.g., “boat people,” “voodoo worshipers,” and “illiterates”) and have reinforced their social isolation as triple minorities. Long-term implications of the distinctive stressors that Haitian immigrants encounter (e.g., stigmatization and mistreatment across many contexts) have resulted in feelings of being rejected and self-doubt, negatively impacting self-esteem and interpersonal relationships, and causing intercultural conflict and poor mental health outcomes (Fanfan et al, 2020; Keys et al, 2015; Kretsedemas, 2003, 2005; Panikkar et al, 2014; Santana & Dancy, 2000).…”

“…Unanticipated migration-related stressors (e.g., discrimination, anti-immigrant sentiments) accompanied with losses (e.g., sense of belonging, social networks) and the dearth of social, emotional, and economic capital necessary for adequate coping may lead to poor mental health outcomes among Haitian immigrants (Al-Baldawi, 2002; Belizaire & Fuertes, 2011; Fanfan et al, 2020; Fanfan & Stacciarini, 2020). In prior studies with Haitian immigrants, migration-related stressors were associated with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety (Brunnet et al, 2018; Fanfan et al, 2020; Kaiser et al, 2015). Yet current gaps in knowledge about Haitians’ mental health have limited our ability to provide answers about which factors are most stressful post migration , and why these factors are so stressful.…”

Examining the mediator and moderator of the link between Migration‐Related stress and depression amongst Chinese migrant children

“…According to a large number of studies, more than 20 years of empirical evidence have consistently validated the negative effect of migration stress on individuals' mental health (Cano et al, 2015; Driscoll & Torres, 2013; Hovey & Magaña, 2000; Jaggers & MacNeil, 2015; Park & Rubin, 2012; Polanco‐Roman & Miranda, 2013; Robila, 2011; Xu & Chi, 2013). For instance, a cross‐sectional study in the United States illustrated that stress related to immigration is a significant predictor of depression (Fanfan et al, 2020). Another longitudinal investigation amongst young American immigrants also reported that migration‐related stress is positively linked to depressive symptoms (Sirin et al, 2013).…”