International Journal of Social Psychiatry
Volume 61, Issue 6, 2015, Pages 530-538

The influence of acculturation on mental health and specialized mental healthcare for non-western migrants (Article)

Nap A.* , Van Loon A. , Peen J. , Van Schaik D.J.F. , Beekman A.T.F. , Dekker J.J.M.
  • a Research Department, Arkin Mental Health Institute, PO Box 75848, Amsterdam, 1070 AV, Netherlands
  • b Research Department, GGZinGeest, Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • c Research Department, Arkin Mental Health Institute, PO Box 75848, Amsterdam, 1070 AV, Netherlands
  • d Research Department, GGZinGeest, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Department of Psychiatry, Institute for Research in Extramural Medicine, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • e Research Department, GGZinGeest, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Department of Psychiatry, Institute for Research in Extramural Medicine, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • f Research Department, Arkin Mental Health Institute, PO Box 75848, Amsterdam, 1070 AV, Netherlands, Department of Clinical Psychology, VU University, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Abstract

Background: The level of acculturation of migrants varies and is associated with variations in mental health. However, this association is complex and may differ among migrant groups. Aim: The aim of this study is to explore the association between acculturation, mental health and treatment effect. Methods: In a longitudinal cohort study of patients treated in specialized mental health facilities, different dimensions of acculturation (skills, social integration, traditions, norms/values and feelings of loss) were explored for Moroccan, Turkish and Surinamese migrants in the Netherlands. Furthermore, the associations between acculturation status and symptom levels, quality of life, care needs and effects of mental health treatment were examined. Data were analyzed with analysis of covariance, correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis. Results: Acculturation status differed among migrant groups. Turkish migrants showed most original culture maintenance (traditions, norms/values), Surinamese migrants showed most participation in Dutch society (skills, social integration), while Moroccan migrants were situated in between. Higher cultural adaptation was associated with less need for care, lower symptom levels and a higher quality of life. Participation significantly predicted lower symptom levels (p<.001) and higher quality of life (p<.001) 6 months after the start of treatment. Conclusion: This study confirms that acculturation status is associated with symptom levels, quality of life and perceived need for care of migrants. Moreover, participation in Dutch society appears to be a favorable factor for treatment effect. It is of importance for professionals in clinical practice to be attentive to this. ©The Author(s) 2014.

Author Keywords

Mental health Treatment Migrants Acculturation

Index Keywords

Netherlands longitudinal study mental health service mental health human Longitudinal Studies Mental Health Services ethnology Surveys and Questionnaires Humans psychology Suriname Treatment Outcome male Acculturation female psychological rating scale Psychiatric Status Rating Scales questionnaire cultural factor adult migration Turkey Transients and Migrants Morocco
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84939211569&doi=10.1177%2f0020764014561307&partnerID=40&md5=e1e2e499832af5339521336c24887553
DOI: 10.1177/0020764014561307
ISSN: 00207640
Cited by: 10
Original Language: English