Mental and Behavioral Health of Immigrants in the United States

By Gordon C. Nagayama Hall, Mental and Behavioral Health of Immigrants in the United States is a comprehensive review of research on immigrant mental health, acculturation, and multicultural psychology. The book is divided into three sections, each focusing on different aspects of immigrant mental health.

Section A: Geographic and Social Context of Immigration

This section addresses how parents and children navigate the acculturation process, how different cultural orientations affect behavior, and research methods on acculturation. It provides insights into the challenges and opportunities that immigrants face as they adapt to their new environment.

Sections B and C: Mental Health Issues Common to Immigrants

These sections focus on mental health issues common to Latinx, Asian, and Arab/Middle Eastern immigrants, as well as more broadly across immigrant groups. They cover a range of topics including depression, anxiety, somatization, alcohol abuse, insomnia, and issues specific to LGBTQ+ individuals.

Pre- and post-migration stressors are discussed, along with the effects of prejudice and bias, the mental health effects of religion and spirituality, and managing the demands of both work and family. Contributors from psychology, education, and social work provide different perspectives and identify opportunities for future research.

Key Takeaways

This book:

• Summarizes research on mental health issues common to immigrants
• Identifies the prevalence of mental disorders among ethnic minorities in the United States
• Examines the impact of group-based discrimination on mental health
• Explores the impact of acculturation on mental health
• Reviews mental health issues specific to Latinx, Asian, and Middle Eastern immigrants
• Covers alcohol abuse, sleep, and other disorders across immigrant groups

Overall, Mental and Behavioral Health of Immigrants in the United States provides a comprehensive understanding of the mental health challenges faced by immigrants and the factors that influence their well-being. It is an essential resource for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners working with immigrant populations.