Behavioral Psychology / Psicología Conductua (BP) is published by IMR Press from Volume 33 Issue 1 (2025). Previous articles were published by another publisher under the hybrid model (CC-BY-NC license or on a subscription basis), and they are hosted by IMR Press on imrpress.com as a courtesy and upon agreement.
ESTRÉS MIGRATORIO Y SALUD MENTAL
1 Universidad del País Vasco, España
*Correspondencia: Karmele Salaberria, Dpto. de Personalidad, Evaluación y Tratamientos Psicológicos, Universidad del País Vasco, Avda. Tolosa, 70, 20018 San Sebastián (España).
E-mail: mcarmen.salaberria@ehu.eus
Abstract
The migration process involves dealing with multiple stress situations that affect many areas of life. Stress can extend for years and is intense and relevant. The main resource of migrants is their physical and mental health, which may be damaged in the process of migratory adaptation. In this study, the level of symptoms and self-esteem of 65 immigrants residents in Guipuzcoa attending a psychological support program are presented. In addition, differences depending on the legal situation and the residence time were analyzed. The results show that migrants have high levels of migratory stress, clinical symptoms and low self-esteem. Irregular migrants have less family support, lower income and more migratory stress. People who have five or more years of residence feel less vulnerable but display higher levels of hostility. These results suggest the need to provide psychological support and counseling as a primary prevention.
Keywords
- migratory stress
- mental health
- self-esteem
