Determinants of Psychological Distress Among Migrants From Ecuador and Romania in a Spanish City

Abstract

Background: Migration may have consequences on the mental health of those who enter a new cultural environment. In Spain, migration has increased tenfold in 20 years. It is important to study how these migrants are interacting within this new context and which variables hinder their personal and social development. Aims: To analyze acculturation differences in Spain between first-generation immigrants from two different countries; to analyze the self-reported mental health of these participants; and to evaluate which variables best predict mental health disorders. Method: One hundred and thirty five (135) respondents from Romania and Ecuador responded to a questionnaire analyzing mental health by means of the GHQ-12, coupled with other personal, social and psychosocial acculturation variables. Results: Both cultural groups differed significantly regarding the impact of personal and social variables on their well-being. Nevertheless, mental health distress was not explained by their cultural differences but by gender, gross income and perceived discrimination. Social support offered by those still living at home acted as a buffer. Conclusion: It is important to analyze female migration patterns in order to reduce mental health problems, stress the importance of economic income, and examine how social support offered by those living in one’s home culture is an effective buffer against mental distress.