[Evaluation of certain personality trains in Czech emigrants. (The problem of so-called "debohemization")].

Abstract

The author, a Czech psychiatrist residing in the U.S.A. since 1968, discusses some aspects of personality changes in emigrants living permanently in a different country. Focusing on Czech emigrants, the author has coined the term "Debohemization" for some of these personality changes. The "Debohemization" may appear as an "active" one in those individuals, who are trying to be assimilated by a new culture as quickly as possible. On the other hand, even those emigrants, who cling to their original identity (language and various specific cultural manifestations of their old country) also show signs of "Debohemization", which could be called "passive" Debohemization, and depends on the length of time spent in the new country.