BACKGROUND: Coping with changes brought about by immigration and social circumstances that often characterize this process may cause mental health problems. AIM: To analyze the relationship between acculturation stress and mental health symptoms in South American immigrants residing in Antofagasta, Chile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The OQ questionnaire, which assesses mental health and the acculturation stress questionnaire from Ruiz, were answered by 431 immigrants (53.8% Colombian and 46.2% Peruvian) aged between 18 and 65 years old. RESULTS: The major source of acculturation stress was distance from origin, followed by difficulties in social relationships and perceived discrimination and rejection. About 50% of respondents had elevated levels of discomfort in their life, with mental health problems derived from their adjustment to social roles and relationships. There was a high correlation between acculturation stress levels and severity of mental health symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Immigrants are exposed to high levels of stress resulting in a negative impact on their mental health.
BACKGROUND: Coping with changes brought about by immigration and social circumstances that often characterize this process may cause mental health problems. AIM: To analyze the relationship between acculturation stress and mental health symptoms in South American immigrants residing in Antofagasta, Chile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The OQ questionnaire, which assesses mental health and the acculturation stress questionnaire from Ruiz, were answered by 431 immigrants (53.8% Colombian and 46.2% Peruvian) aged between 18 and 65 years old. RESULTS: The major source of acculturation stress was distance from origin, followed by difficulties in social relationships and perceived discrimination and rejection. About 50% of respondents had elevated levels of discomfort in their life, with mental health problems derived from their adjustment to social roles and relationships. There was a high correlation between acculturation stress levels and severity of mental health symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Immigrants are exposed to high levels of stress resulting in a negative impact on their mental health.
Authors: Felipe E García; Loreto Villagrán; María Constanza Ahumada; Nadia Inzunza; Katherine Schuffeneger; Sandra Garabito Journal: Front Psychol Date: 2021-01-11
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