Migration and mental illness: What role do traditional childhood socialization practices play?

Abstract

Interpretations of studies which show a correlation between migration and mental illness generally focus on sociocultural variables while giving scant attention to determinants of cognitive-personality orientations. This article examines childhood socialization practices as a key variable for comparing points of psychological stress between the traditional rural culture and the post-industrial urban culture. The hypothesis that harsh and restrictive childhood socialization practices foster the development of a cognitive-personality orientation which increases the likelihood of maladaptive responses to culture change is illustrated by anthropological and psychological data obtained from Sicilians living in Sicily, the U.S.A. and Australia. Suggestions are given for minimizing the mental health risks involved during the critical transition period following migration.

Integrating Behavioral Health Care and Primary Care: Application of a Clinical and Economic Model in Culturally Diverse Communities

“…[22][23][24] In those instances where treatment is more accessible, there remain disparities in the quantity and type of mental health treatment delivered. [25][26][27] Disparate psychiatric diagnosis, treatment regimes, and specialty oversight have been reported in studies of African American males, Asian women, Native Americans, and others from other countries but within US borders and for whom the health care system is responsible. [28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37] Special needs due to trauma can also vary by culture; providers can easily misinterpret "cultural idioms of distress" resulting in underrecognition or inappropriate treatment.…”