Estresse e migração

um olhar a partir da imigração boliviana em São Paulo

Abstract

In the literature, migrant experience has repeatedly been identified as associated with increased vulnerability to mental health problems (Foster et al., 2001). Although there is no definitive epidemiological evidence in this respect, it is generally assumed that migratory experience is associated with multiple stressors, which may jeopardize the mental health of immigrants (Takeushi et al., 2007). These stressful experiences can put immigrants at risk for mental health problems, such as depressive disorders, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the so-called chronic and multiple stress syndrome (Ulises Syndrome), a term used by some authors to describe a set of depressive, somatic and anxiety symptoms derived from exposure to multiple stressors related to the migratory experience (Achotegui, 2000). The objective of this study was to review the available literature on exposure to stress factors and factors associated with vulnerability and stress resilience of immigrant populations, as well as describe the experience with the case of Bolivian immigrants residing in Sao Paulo.