Abstract
A state of well being in which one realizes own potentials, can cope with every day stressors, can work productively and is able to constructively contribute to community is called mental health. Many stressful and negative events can interfere with these abilities and thus endanger someone’s mental health. Migration is one of them. With its’ pre and post phases/stages, migration represents great sources of stress and stressors. Immigrants need good personal and social resource in order to lessen down negative effects of migration on their mental health. The aim of this study is to explore presence of mental health problems in non clinical population of Bosnian immigrants (N=101, F=48, M=53) in Switzerland. It was assumed that migration stress acts negatively on immigrant’s mental health. General health questionnaire was used to test this hypothesis. Participants mean score results on total GHQ28 questionnaire were M=51.06, S.D. =14.30, its subscales on depression M=10.12 S.D.=3.75, somatic complaints M=13.04 S.D.=4.5, anxiety/insomnia M=13.34 S.D. 4.8, and social dysfunction M=14.37 S.D.=3.5. This indicates presence of mental health problems among Bosnian immigrants. At the same time, the study shows presence of social support seeking (N=83 subjects listed family and friends) as primary coping strategy used by Bosnian immigrants while dealing with difficulties and problems rather than seeking professional help (N=3 subjects listed professional help seeking). Thus, social support seeking acts positively on mental health of Bosnian immigrants.
Highlights
Background to the studyAccording to Kakar (Fernando, 2001) concept of mental health is a term which covers different aspects and concerns such as: absence of disabling symptoms, integration of psychological functioning, successful leading of personal and social life, and feeling of ethical and spiritual wellbeing
Aim of this study is to explore presence and role of social support in mental health problems in non clinical population of Bosnian immigrants in Switzerland
ANOVA results point significant difference on variable talking with family and friends and general health questionnaire General health questionnaire 28 (GHQ 28), its’ social dysfunction and depression subscales
Summary
Background to the studyAccording to Kakar (Fernando, 2001) concept of mental health is a term which covers different aspects and concerns such as: absence of disabling symptoms, integration of psychological functioning, successful leading of personal and social life, and feeling of ethical and spiritual wellbeing. Immigrants belong to a risk group for mental health disorders due to many pre emigrational, emigrational as well as post emigrational factors and phases that they go through. Acculturation phases, adjustment, immigrants’ age as well as effects of factors such as small income, immigrants’ status, low access to psychiatric treatment etc, are in close relation to the emergence of mental health problems like depression, anxiety, suicide, alcohol and drug use by immigrants. Immigrants are at risk for mental health problems due to much pre-migration, migration as well post migration factors and phases which ϮϬϬ. Acculturation phase, adjustment, immigrants’ age, interrelated factors such as low income, immigrants’ status, low access to psychiatric care etc. Are related to appearance of mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, suicide, and alcohol and drug abuse in immigrants’ Acculturation phase, adjustment, immigrants’ age, interrelated factors such as low income, immigrants’ status, low access to psychiatric care etc. are related to appearance of mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, suicide, and alcohol and drug abuse in immigrants’
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
