Italian migratory phenomenon and trauma:

By Susanna Casubolo

Italian emigration to the United States was a historical phenomenon of great importance which took place with various waves of migration. From 1870 to 1914, millions of Italians left Italy to look for work and escape poverty, many settling in large industrial cities such as New York, Chicago and Boston, where they worked mainly in factories, mines, construction and agriculture . After World War II, between 1945 and 1970, others emigrated for reasons related to post-war reconstruction and in search of better economic opportunities.

It is important to underline that the migratory phenomenon can be an extremely stressful and traumatic experience as it involves detachment from a family and cultural community, facing different languages and customs, the difficulty in adapting to new environments, the loss of work and separation from family. The effects on the mental and physical health of immigrants can be long-lasting: the most common manifestations range from psychological distress, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sleep disorders, as well as adjustment, social isolation, feelings of loss and homesickness, difficulty in grieving, lack of sense of belonging, adjustment and integration problems, family problems, and cultural identity issues.

The risk of developing psychological disorders becomes greater if there is no social support and adequate assistance. One study explored the mental health and adjustment experiences of Italian immigrants in the United States by interviewing people aged 22 to 73 who had settled in America for a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 48 years. Stressors identified by respondents include lack of social support, language difficulties, job and economic challenges, social isolation and discrimination. The difficulty of adapting to a new cultural environment was highlighted in particular as regards the differences in values and social behaviours: while some participants said they felt “different” and that they were in conflict between their culture of origin and that of the host country, others reported finding ways to integrate and being grateful for the opportunities their new country had afforded them. Depressive symptoms were more prevalent among Italian immigrants than the general US population, and lack of social support was associated with an increased risk of depression and health problems.

Italian immigrants to the United States are at an increased risk of developing mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety, compared to the general US population and also compared to the Italian population residing in Italy. They also show a greater risk of developing stress-related disorders, such as PTSD which is why it is important that they have access to psychological support especially for those who suffer trauma or have had difficulty adapting to the new culture. Some authors have identified the different coping strategies used by Italian immigrants to cope with stress factors and adapt to the cultural environment: the strengthening of family and friendship relationships as social support; using recreational activities as a way to escape everyday worries and stress; using spiritual activities as a way to find comfort and support; maintaining one’s cultural and religious traditions as a way of preserving one’s cultural identity; work as a way to distract oneself and feel productive; using substances such as alcohol and tobacco as a coping mechanism (although this can lead to long-term health problems).