Revista Mexicana de Psicologia
Volume 32, Issue 1, 2015, Pages 7-15

Chronic stress in immigrants and relatives of people with mental illness: A comparative study (Article)

Salaberría K. , Polo-López R. , Cruz-Sáez S. , Echeburúa E.* , Berry K.
  • a Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Del País Vasco, Avda. de Tolosa, 70, San Sebastian, 20018, Spain
  • b Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Del País Vasco, Avda. de Tolosa, 70, San Sebastian, 20018, Spain
  • c Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Del País Vasco, Avda. de Tolosa, 70, San Sebastian, 20018, Spain
  • d Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Del País Vasco, Avda. de Tolosa, 70, San Sebastian, 20018, Spain
  • e School of Psychology and Sciences, Manchester University, United Kingdom

Abstract

Being immigrant or living with a p erson who experiences mental disorders can lead to high levels of emotional problems. The aim of this study is to compare chronic stress in immigrants and relatives. The sample comprised 108 adults (58 immigrants and 50 relatives) who were seeking help due to their emotional problems. In both groups there was an overrepresentation of women. The immigrants were younger; had a lower level of education and higher unemployment rates than the relatives. Both groups showed high levels of symptoms and low selfesteem. The fact that immigrants report similar symptoms to relatives might mean that some of the treatments for relatives, which are well established and effective, could be applied to immigrants.

Author Keywords

expatriation Gender differences Comparison Emotional disturbance Caregivers

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85026996365&partnerID=40&md5=fa49d7268e24a4d79e222c7d774950f7
ISSN: 01856073
Original Language: English