The effects of migration on family relationships: case studies

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the impacts of internal migration on families, specifically on emotional bonds and mental health, and relate the process of change and life trajectory of migration mobility within a population.

Design/methodology/approach

This was a qualitative study on two case studies taken from family psychotherapy.

Findings

The analyses indicate the splitting and forming of emotional bonds, the psychological illness caused by intrasubjective, intersubjective and transubjective conflicts, and the transgenerational dynamics which all repeat themselves within the families of today. The authors conclude that, in many cases, migration turns into one of the contingencies of life that can cause psychological disorganization.

Research limitations/implications

The complexity and diversity of migration reveals a myriad of reasons, densities, directions, spatialities and temporalities of that are part of a contemporary study.

Practical implications

Contribution to therapeutic processes for aid to migrants and their families.

Social implications

Contribution to the reduction of stress for migrants.

Originality/value

The focus of this study is on therapeutic processes and their repercussions.

Citation

Bucher-Maluschke, J., Gondim, M.d.F. and Pedroso, J.d.S. (2017), "The effects of migration on family relationships: case studies", International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care, Vol. 13 No. 2, pp. 198-206. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMHSC-05-2015-0016