The Perceptions of Greek Immigrants in Germany About the Health Illness and Pain in the Context of Mental Health

• DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.01.1007
• Publication Date: 2017-06-30T17:04:51Z
• Authors: S. Kotrotsiou; A. Tsoumani; E. Kotrotsiou; M. Gouva; E. Dragioti; T. Paralikas
• Keywords: Thematic Analysis; Participant Observation; Everyday Life

Aim This study aims to investigate the perceptions of health, disease and pain issues among Greek immigrant, living in Germany, as they were formed through their previous experiences, immigration routes experiences a new sociocultural environment, while taking under consideration varying cultural backgrounds. Material-method research was based on personal interpretations ten immigrant (6 women 4 men). As methodology, qualitative employed. The methodological tools used for collection material semi-structured interviews (face face), participant observation field diary. Finally, method analysis empirical content thematic analysis. Results All participants experienced an especially stressful period lives that changed state health (these changes extend from physical complaints manifestation depression). Most person describe life Germany difficult due various problems (loss relatives friends’ social networks, poor language knowledge, isolation, etc.). However, public system's organization (regardless any flaws), which ensures access services, positively contributed changing attitudes regarding question. Lastly, reference psycho-traumatic situations, transitional phases, well stimuli everyday feed person's meaning-makings about pain. Conclusions research's results showed are not only biologically determined phenomena. They also socially given related individual's psychology but influenced by broader environment individual works. Disclosure interest authors have supplied declaration competing interest.