MIGRATORY GRIEF, COPING, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS OF VULNERABLE GROUPS IN MOBILITY IN SPAIN

Abstract

"The present study aims to analyse migratory grief, coping (focusing on the problem, negative self-focus, positive reappraisal, open emotional expression, avoidance, search for social support, and religion), and psychological distress of people according to their main reasons for migrating. The sample consisted of 454 participants (48.7% men and 51.3% women) aged between 18 and 74 years (M = 35.48; SD = 11.06). The methodology used was quantitative and non-experimental design. The Migratory Grief Assessment Questionnaire, the Coping with Stress Questionnaire, and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale K10 were used. The results indicate a significant and positive relationship between migratory grief, the passive coping styles, and psychological distress, as well as a negative relationship between migratory grief and the strategy focused on the problem. In addition, students are the group with the least migratory grief compared to groups who migrated for economic reasons, insecurity (wars, violence, threats), and sexual orientation. In addition, people fleeing because of security reasons are the ones who use less the strategy of seeking social support compared to the group of people studying. People migrating for economic reasons use religion more as a coping strategy compared to the groups motivated by sexual orientation and educational background. Regarding psychological distress, people who flee because of their sexual orientation have higher levels of psychological distress compared to those who have migrated for economic and academic reasons. The relevant and significant findings related to the variables investigated are discussed."