Psychological Analysis of the Migration Period

Main Psychological Stages of Migration

Psychologists generally divide migration into three primary phases:

1. Pre-migration (Decision-making and Preparation) 2. During Migration (Physical Transition) 3. Post-migration (Adaptation and Settlement)

1. Pre-migration Stage (Decision and Preparation) - Excitement and Hope: People are often filled with energy, imagining a better life, security, job or educational opportunities (similar to the initial Honeymoon phase). - Internal Conflict: Anxiety about the unknown, fear of leaving everything behind, and feelings of guilt toward those who remain (especially parents or children). - Key Psychological Factors: Cost-benefit evaluation, psychological capital (resilience, self-efficacy), and social support. - Many experience anticipatory anxiety during this stage.

2. During Migration (Physical Move) - Initial shock, exhaustion, and fear (especially in risky or irregular migration). - A strong sense of separation and disconnection from one’s previous identity.

3. Post-migration Stage (Adaptation) – The Most Important Phase Psychologically

This stage is often described using the Culture Shock model (by Lysgaard and Oberg), which includes the following stages:

Stage 1: Honeymoon Psychological Characteristics: Excitement, curiosity, everything seems positive, high energy. Approximate Duration: Few weeks to a few months.

Stage 2: Crisis / Negotiation Psychological Characteristics: Intense homesickness, anger, depression, feeling helpless, doubt about the decision, sleep and appetite problems. Approximate Duration: 3–6 months (sometimes up to 1 year).

Stage 3: Gradual Adjustment Psychological Characteristics: Learning the language and rules, reduced stress, return of humor and hope. Approximate Duration: 6–12 months.

Stage 4: Acceptance / Adaptation Psychological Characteristics: Sense of belonging, dual identity, personal growth. Approximate Duration: After 1–2 years.

Stage 5: Reverse Culture Shock Feeling like a stranger in your own home country upon return.

Migratory Grief – A Key Concept Spanish psychiatrist José Achotegui developed the famous model of the Seven Griefs of Migration: - Language and communication - Family and friends - Culture and customs - Social and professional status - Contact with ethnic group - Geographic security and identity - Personal and bodily identity

This grief is often ambiguous loss — the person hasn’t died, but they are no longer part of daily life.

Common Psychological Reactions - Chronic homesickness and nostalgia - Acculturative stress - Migration-related depression - Survivor’s guilt - Dual identity or identity crisis - Post-traumatic growth — many people become stronger, more independent, and open-minded after 2–3 years.

Factors Affecting Mental Health - Social support (connection with diaspora or local community) - Language proficiency - Economic situation - Reason for migration (voluntary vs. forced) - Personality (extroverted and resilient people usually adapt better) - Age (children and young people are more flexible; middle-aged people may experience stronger homesickness)

Hopeful Note: Research shows that the majority of migrants, after the transitional period (usually 1–3 years), reach a higher level of satisfaction and functioning than before, although waves of homesickness may continue throughout life.