Mental Health, Religion and Culture
Volume 20, Issue 2, 2017, Pages 162-174

Mental health among Asian and African migrant working mothers: new vulnerabilities, old religious coping resources (Article)

Trovão S.* , Ramalho S. , David I.
  • a Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Nova University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal, CRIA–Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Nova University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
  • b CRIA–Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Nova University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
  • c CRIA–Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Nova University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal

Abstract

A qualitative research is presented to explore sources of psychosocial distress, expressive idioms, coping strategies, resilience resources, and experiences of mental-health services in Filipino, Sao Tomean and Indo-Mozambican migrant working mothers settled in Portugal. Findings suggest that shared gender roles and working conditions do not lead to similar modes of expressing mental distress. Particular manifestations take on cultural meanings in relation to specific vulnerabilities and stressors. Despite their higher level of psychosocial distress, these migrant mothers make little use of mental-health services. Comparative analysis has brought to light how religious participation provides them with a variety of expressive and coping resources that support and guarantee the fulfilment of their gender and mothering responsibilities, thus triggering desired changes that affect the lives of their children and families in both the short and long term. © 2017 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Author Keywords

Portugal Immigrant Gender Mental health Religion

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85020254961&doi=10.1080%2f13674676.2017.1329816&partnerID=40&md5=a77c6d95ba9532153d070cf264bd548f
DOI: 10.1080/13674676.2017.1329816
ISSN: 13674676
Original Language: English