“Pa'lante!” Perseverance, progress and mental health among venezuelan migrants in Peru: A qualitative study

Abstract

Background

Following Venezuela's economic collapse in 2015, over 1.5 million Venezuelans have sought refuge in Peru. Research indicates that migrants face stressors at various stages of migration (pre-, journey, and post-migration), with symptoms ranging from mild stress to severe depression and anxiety. This highlights the need for culturally relevant mental health interventions. Thus, the present study aimed to develop culturally sensitive adaptation hypotheses that resonate with the migrants' unique experiences and cultural values.

Methods and findings

Qualitative interviews were conducted with Venezuelan migrants residing in Lima (n = 25) and stakeholders in the Peruvian mental health system (n = 10). Thematic analysis, interpreted through the Ecological Validity Model, revealed significant themes relevant to cultural adaptation, including the metaphor and phrase “pa’lante,” religious coping, emotional expression, familiarity, and integration into Peru. These themes informed potential therapeutic adaptations in line with existing evidence-based therapeutic practices.

Conclusions

The study observed that Venezuelan migrants face unique mental health challenges due to the stressors encountered during migration. The findings suggest that integrating culturally sensitive elements such as “pa’lante,” religious coping, emotional expression, familiarity, and integration into Peru into mental health interventions could enhance their effectiveness. We propose therapeutic adaptations that leverage the resilience embodied in "pa'lante," incorporate religious coping mechanisms, facilitate balanced emotional expression, and foster cultural familiarity and integration, ensuring a holistic and impactful approach to mental health care for Venezuelan migrants.