A Point in the Heart: Concepts of Emotional Distress Among Albanian-Speaking Immigrants in Switzerland.
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| Title: | A Point in the Heart: Concepts of Emotional Distress Among Albanian-Speaking Immigrants in Switzerland. |
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| Authors: | Shala, Mirëlinda (AUTHOR), Morina, Naser (AUTHOR), Salis Gross, Corina (AUTHOR), Maercker, Andreas (AUTHOR), Heim, Eva (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Culture, Medicine & Psychiatry. Mar2020, Vol. 44 Issue 1, p1-34. 34p. 1 Diagram, 2 Charts. |
| Subjects: | Semantic network analysis, Psychological adaptation, Medical communication, Psychotherapy, Mental illness, Immigrants, Social participation, Albanians, Social support, Behavior disorders, Qualitative research, Psychological tests, Health attitudes |
| Geographic Terms: | Switzerland, Albania |
| Abstract: | Cultural variability regarding concepts of distress for common mental disorders (CMD) has been reported extensively in cultural clinical psychology across the globe. However, little is known about illness narratives in social communities from Southeast Europe. The purpose of this paper is to identify cultural concepts of distress (CCDs) among Albanian-speaking immigrants in Switzerland and to integrate the findings into literature from other parts of the world. Twenty semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted using the Barts Explanatory Model Inventory (BEMI). A set of concepts was described through content analysis and semantic network analysis. The results show complex expressions of distress, which are mainly associated with post-migration living difficulties. Social problems and life-changing events mark the onset of the most common symptoms. Self-management and social support were described as the most important coping behaviors. Participants expressed trust in physical health care but little belief in psychotherapy. There is indication that mental illnesses are stigmatized in this population. It is therefore important to use non-stigmatizing terms in health communication. Moreover, individuals from this community consider suffering to be part of life, and they assume that this suffering must be endured with patience. It is vital to address these beliefs in psychological interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of Culture, Medicine & Psychiatry is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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