Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences
Volume 27, Issue 4, 2005, Pages 547-564

An inquiry into the "Agonies" (Agonias) of portuguese immigrants from the azores (Review)

James S.* , Navara G.S. , Clarke J.N. , Lomotey J.
  • a University of British Columbia, Canada, Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, Special Education, University of British Columbia, Canada
  • b Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada
  • c Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada, Wilfrid Laurier University, Ont., Canada
  • d Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada

Abstract

Previous research has found that psychiatric symptom expression is inextricably linked with culture and that psychiatric categories do not necessarily reflect the experiences of people from other cultures. Using a multidisciplinary approach, this study explored the Portuguese culture-specific phenomenon agonias (meaning "the agonies"). Fifty (21 males and 29 females) Portuguese immigrants from the Azores were interviewed concerning their immigration experience, family life, health, healing, suffering, and understanding of agonias. Although there was diversity among the participants' responses, a cohesive and systemic understanding of agonias arose from the narratives. A link between the somatic symptoms of agonias and psychological processes, social context, and religious beliefs was demonstrated, and highlighted that psychiatric categories are limited when classifying a multidimensional experience like agonias. © 2005 Sage Publications.

Author Keywords

Cultural psychology culture Portuguese Immigrant Multicultural counseling Mental health

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-27744510324&doi=10.1177%2f0739986305281084&partnerID=40&md5=d7725da7fdd82f421e585837ccc609f3
DOI: 10.1177/0739986305281084
ISSN: 07399863
Cited by: 8
Original Language: English