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Migration and Mental Health: a Study of Low-Income Ethiopian Women Working in Middle Eastern Countries

Author

Listed:
  • Birke Anbesse

    (St Paul's General Specialized Hospital, PO Box 31657, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)

  • Charlotte Hanlon

    (King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK, charlotte.hanlon@iop.kcl.ac.uk)

  • Atalay Alem

    (Department of Psychiatry, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)

  • Samuel Packer

    (University of Toronto, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada)

  • Rob Whitley

    (Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth Medical School, New Hampshire-Dartmouth Psychiatric Research Centre, Lebanon, USA)

Abstract

Background: Few studies have explored influences on mental health of migrants moving between non-Western countries. Methods: Focus group discussions were used to explore the experiences of Ethiopian female domestic migrants to Middle Eastern countries, comparing those who developed severe mental illness with those remaining mentally well. Discussion: Prominent self-identified threats to mental health included exploitative treatment, enforced cultural isolation, undermining of cultural identity and disappointment in not achieving expectations. Participants countered these risks by affirming their cultural identity and establishing socio-cultural supports. Conclusions: Mental health of migrant domestic workers may be jeopardized by stressors, leading to experience of social defeat.

Suggested Citation

  • Birke Anbesse & Charlotte Hanlon & Atalay Alem & Samuel Packer & Rob Whitley, 2009. "Migration and Mental Health: a Study of Low-Income Ethiopian Women Working in Middle Eastern Countries," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 55(6), pages 557-568, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:55:y:2009:i:6:p:557-568
    DOI: 10.1177/0020764008096704
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Muhammad Ajmal Zahid & Abdullahi Fido & Rashed Alowaish & Mohamed Abd El-Motaal Mohsen & Mohammed Abdul Razik, 2003. "Psychiatric Morbidity Among Housemaids in Kuwait III: Vulnerability Factors," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 49(2), pages 87-96, June.
    2. repec:ilo:ilowps:366200 is not listed on IDEAS
    3. Kebede, Emebet., 2002. "Ethiopia : an assessment of the international labour migration situation: the case of female labour migrants," ILO Working Papers 993662003402676, International Labour Organization.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Naufal, George S & Malit Jr., Froilan T., 2018. "Exploitation and the Decision to Migrate: The Role of Abuse and Unfavorable Working Conditions in Filipina Domestic Workers' Desire to Return Abroad," IZA Discussion Papers 11677, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    2. Lawrence Meda, 2017. "A Journey Without Planned Destination: Traumatic Transmigration Experiences of Refugee Children," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 18(1), pages 131-142, February.
    3. Kuschminder, Katie & Siegel, Melissa, 2011. "Understanding Ethiopian diaspora engagement policy," MERIT Working Papers 2011-040, United Nations University - Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (MERIT).
    4. Mekonnen Beyene, Berhe, 2011. "Determinants of Internal and International Migration in Ethiopia," Memorandum 24/2011, Oslo University, Department of Economics.
    5. Kassahun Habtamu & Abebaw Minaye & Fantahun Admas & Messay Gebremariam Kotecho & Abera Tibebu & Yohannese Adigeh & Seleshi Zeleke, 2021. "Exploring Potential Intervention Strategies to Reduce Unsafe Youth Migration in Ethiopia: a Mixed Methods Study," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 22(4), pages 1285-1312, December.

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