How is the mental health of Brazilian people living in Portugal? How is their resilience and what support networks do they have? These are some of the objectives of psychologist Paula Gonçalves, who investigates the topic in her master’s thesis. To do this, she is looking for immigrants who can answer the questionnaire that will be part of the research.
In an interview with DN Brazilthe professional explains that she knows what the process of change and adaptation is like. “I lived part of my childhood in Angola and returned to Portugal in February 1974, a period marked by profound social and political changes. Adapting was not easy: I experienced difficulties in contact with people, the climate and cultural differences. As happened with many Portuguese people at the time, I experienced discrimination, often being nicknamed ‘returnada’, a term that, at least for me, had a clearly derogatory connotation.”, reports Paula, aged 58.
In the researcher’s view, the immigrant population in Portugal faces great challenges. “Portugal is simultaneously a country of emigrants and immigrants and, like other European countries, it still faces important challenges in the way it welcomes and integrates these populations. Migration does not suspend life: health problems, financial difficulties and family and emotional challenges continue to occur”, he states.
Paula also highlights that there is a lack of specific data in Portugal on the immigrant population. “There continues to be a lack of systematic data on the mental well-being of these populations and on the factors that favor healthy psychological adaptation over time.”highlights. At the same time, he points out that “studies like this are important because they allow us to go beyond a view focused solely on the risks or difficulties associated with migration, contributing to a more complete and realistic understanding of the migratory experience”.
Another objective of the research is to show that immigrants “they are much more than the context in which they are inserted”, even though labels are constantly attributed. “In addition to the difficulties, they bring with them value, experiences and contributions that enrich the society that welcomes them. Recognizing these resources allows us to overcome a reductionist view of immigration and promote a more human and inclusive perspective, based on mutual learning and collective growth”, reflects the psychologist.
Based on the answers, the professional will analyze “differences in the levels of mental well-being of Brazilian immigrant adults living in Portugal, when exposed to similar challenges”in addition to “analyzing how attachment styles relate to mental well-being and the role of resilience and perceived social support in this process”.
The master’s student waits “that the results obtained can serve as a basis for public policies, community interventions and clinical practices that are more sensitive to cultural diversity and people’s real needs, favoring more effective and humanized social responses”.
The researcher is particularly interested in responses from people living in Porto, Coimbra and Braga, to obtain a more territorially diverse sample. To answer the questions, just click here. You must be 19 years old or over and have lived in Portugal for more than two years. The questionnaire link is here.
amanda.lima@dn.pt
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