Minority Voices – Mental Health Representations in Roma Portuguese Communities

Abstract

• Introduction Systemized research on the social representations of mental health in minority groups is scarce and it is even scarcer with Roma communities. • Aim This paper describes a research conducted from the perspective of social representations theory exploring the understanding of mental ill-health amongst Roma communities residing in the center region of Portugal (Coimbra). • Methods A qualitative ethnographic study was conducted. Data from observations, interviews with key informants, field notes and Focus groups were analyzed Results Findings suggest that the culturally-based conceptions of mental health and emotional well-being in these Roma participants have a holistic approach, without a clear separation between the concept of ' physical health ” and ' mental health ”. In this study, the notion of mental health and emotional well-being was strongly associated with the family’s well-being, including the extended family, and not only with the individual well-being Conclusions Mental health promoting programs in Roma communities should integrate families in structural interventions and, an ecological approach.