Abstract
Migration can lead to depression and anxiety due to significant life changes, loss of familiar social support networks, and the stress of adapting to a new environment, leading individuals who migrate to experience feelings of isolation, cultural shock, and discrimination, which can contribute to mental health challenges. This workshop explores the positive effect of Awareness Integration Theory as a facilitator in migration, adaptation, and acculturation. Using PsychINFO, PubMed, and Google Scholar, a comprehensive literature review was conducted on the efficacy of Awareness Integration Theory in reducing depression and anxiety in various populations, such as migrants. Findings show the Awareness Integration theory (AIT) is an evidence-based multimodality psychological model that resulted in a reduction of depression by 76% and anxiety by 64%. AIT promotes awareness in multiple areas of life affected by migration, including career, finances, family, parenting, couplehood, and social standing. Awareness leads to distinguishing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are constructive/destructive, setting structures to create healthy goals and plans of action toward healthy acculturation and/or assimilation into a new culture. The uncertainty of the migration process, including legal and financial concerns, can also exacerbate feelings of anxiety and distress combined with leaving behind one’s home and adjusting to a new culture, language, and social norms. Integration into a new culture, language, and social norms can lead to a sense of displacement and emotional turmoil, further impacting mental well-being. AIT is instrumental in achieving higher levels of self-awareness, adaptation, and acculturation.
Presenters
Foojan ZeineFounder and President, Research and Development, International Awareness Integration Institute, California, United States Nicole Jafari
Faculty/ Dissertation Chair, Applied Clinical Psychology, Cross Cultural Research & Educational Institute, California, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2024 Special Focus—The World on the Move: Understanding Migration in a New Global Age
KEYWORDS
Awareness Integration Theory, Migration, Anxiety, Depression, Acculturation
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