Mental Health Intervention with Hispanic Immigrants

Abstract

The underutilization of mental health services by Hispanic immigrants has been well documented in the literature. Hispanic immigrants encounter numerous obstacles which prevent them from successfully navigating through the mental health system. This reality is further compounded by the fact that research appears to suggest an increased rate of mental health disorders among Hispanics. This article underscores the importance of understanding the influence of a Hispanic client's worldview, language, and religion on the provision of mental health services. A case vignette is presented as a means of illustrating key conceptual points. Practice principles or conclusions drawn from this article should be used as a general guide by mental health practitioners.     

Chapter 7. Mental Health Intervention with Dominican Immigrants

Abstract

Dominicans are a significant force in the changing composition of Hispanic immigration in the United States, and all indications are that they will continue to be in the years to come. A framework has been applied in which Dominican culture, psychosocial strengths and risks, and treatment implications are explored in the context of how Dominicans appear to be similar to and different from other Hispanic groups in the U.S. Much more needs to be done in terms of elaborating this combination of homogeneity and heterogeneity. Mental health practitioners who are open to such inquiry, and to keeping an open mind regarding the possibilities of modifications in therapeutic techniques and modality choices, will find Dominicans to be a clinically responsive, and an enjoyable population to work with.     

An East-West Approach to Serving Chinese Immigrants in a Mental Health Setting

Abstract

This article discusses the unique design of a community day treatment program that addresses the issues of loss and acculturation for a Chinese American immigrant population who suffers from chronic mental illness. The program utilizes an integrated, multi-cultural milieu of staff and clients to create a microcosm of the diversity of American society, and reflects the agency's belief in the affirmation of the clients' cultural heritage as a more effective way of supporting clients in their recovery process. Case vignettes are used to illustrate the importance of helping immigrant clients who are marginalized in society to feel accepted, empowered and hopeful in their lives in a new country.     

Chapter 11. The Future of Culturally Competent Mental Health Care for Latino Immigrants

Abstract

This chapter underscores the importance of cultural competence in the provision of effective mental health services to Latino immigrants. Culturally competent mental health care must be understood within the context of a social-political-economic framework that is changing on a continual basis. Health and mental health care reform for Latino immigrants must be linked to both practice-based research efforts and timely diffusion of best practice innovations. Cultural competence must be integrated as a valued component of the organizational structure of mental health systems of care.     

Mexican Immigrants

Abstract

Social Work's history is embedded in this profession's service and commitment to immigrant populations. This new century presents itself with a new mixture of immigrants who come to United States (U.S.) shores seeking a better life. The challenge to social workers is to be well-versed in social policy, human behavior, and practice realms related to serving these immigrants. Schools of social work must insure that curriculum reflects the needs and situations of this new mix of immigrants. One of the largest groups in this mix are those immigrants from Mexico. Of particular concern is the adaptation of Mexican and other Latino immigrants who come to this country without documentation. Social workers have an ethical responsibility to serve these clients in a culturally competent and informed manner. They must keep updated on immigration policy and entitlement or eligibility issues that mitigate these immigrants' ability to survive.     

解读布什对伊拉克的新战略

今年1月10日,美国总统布什向全国发表电视讲话,宣布美国对伊拉克的新战略.这是布什政府为美国在伊拉克的困境"解套"所采取的重大举措.解读美国对伊拉克的新战略,对帮助我们了解下一阶段美国在伊拉克的行动路线,以及美国对中东政策走向将是有益的.     

The spoils of peace in Iraqi Kurdistan

This paper examines transition patterns in post-Gulf war Iraqi Kurdistan as a function of external aid, and the impact of these developments on relations between the Kurdistan region and Baghdad. It argues that, despite ethnic traditions and structural legacies, the asymmetrical and changing nature of aid has created new incentives for conflict and co-operation. Since 1991 aid has strengthened the Kurdistan region's power in relation to the state and increased leverage on the central government to accommodate Kurdish demands for autonomy. Yet it has also created an increasingly complex political – economic order and new interdependencies between the regions. The shift from relief aid to reconstruction within a neoliberal framework has helped open the Iraqi and Kurdish political economies by encouraging trade between the Kurdistan region, regional states and foreign governments. The creation of a federal Iraqi state has also led to financial and political linkages between the Kurdistan region and Baghdad and to new requirements for negotiation.     

展望2009年伊拉克安全局势

2009年是伊拉克战后政治进程中非常重要的一年。伊拉克在年初进行了省级地方选举,年底还将举行全国大选;在这一年里,伊拉克军队将逐步取代驻伊美军,肩负起维护国家安全和社会治安的职责。因此,2009年不仅是伊拉克政治权力重新组合的一年,还是战后伊拉克朝着真正掌握国家主权,向实现“伊人治伊”迈进的关键一年。     

Posttraumatic Growth in Latina Immigrants

Abstract

This study used a Spanish version of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory to examine the extent to which Latinas report post-traumatic growth (PTG) following the stressful experiences of immigration and explored demographic, stress-related and social context correlates of this growth (N = 100). Findings indicate a moderate level of stress and a high level of PTG but no association between stress and growth variables. Level of stressfulness was related to type of separation and to participation in counseling. Overall, posttraumatic growth was related to participation in counseling and the Philosophy of Life factor was related to the importance of religion. Findings support using a strength perspective to study and service Latina immigrants.     

The Dotbuster Effect on Indo-American Immigrants

Abstract

Immigrants today make up 14 percent of the U.S. workforce (Closing the Immigrant Skills Gap, n.d.), and, of these, a good proportion have arrived from Africa. Although Africans started coming to United States predominantly as students after the 1960s post-colonial era, their numbers have dramatically increased since the beginning of the 1990s. The influx of African immigrants to the United States in the last two decades especially after the end of the Cold War era of the early 1990s has been phenomenal. According to figures from the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS-now the Office of Homeland Security), the number of African immigrants to the United States has more than quadrupled in the last two decades, from 109,733 between 1961 and 1980 to 531,832 between 1981 and 2000 (Takougang, n.d.).     

Chapter 9. Counseling South American Immigrants

Abstract

The Hispanic population in the United States is growing exponentially. There are a total of 1,506,654 South Americans in the United States who have come from Spanish-speaking countries. Most immigrants, if not all, experience difficulties triggered by migration, discrimination, acculturation, and second language acquisition. In this chapter, we briefly discuss major issues associated with migration and present literature and research on the construct of social support. We propose that integrating and utilizing social support during treatment will facilitate the adjustment process for the individual. We present interventions that allow the therapist to provide support while encouraging the client to seek support within him/herself and from other sources in the environment.     

伊拉克战争后美国外交战略的调整

伊拉克战争是美国推行以反恐为第一要务的新霸权战略的一个重要步骤。战后,美国的外交战略出现了一些新的动向,值得我们注意和研究。较为突出的有以下四点。 一、新保守主义势力 对美国外交的影响明显增大 布什政府本来就具有保守主义倾向。布什内阁中的拉姆斯菲尔德、切尼、赖斯     

『世纪审判』:萨达姆令伊当局难缠

从2004年10月19日至今,伊拉克前总统萨达姆·侯赛因已在巴格达美军严格控制下的"绿区"--伊拉克特别法庭上多次受审.这一"世纪审判"受到国际媒体和公众舆论的深切关注.关于该法庭是否合法、萨达姆若被判有罪是否会被处死、萨案的了结将对伊拉克局势产生什么影响,众说纷纭,各执其词.     

North African Immigrants in Europe and Political Violence

North African communities in Europe have been the focus of unprecedented attention since the attacks of 9/11, largely thanks to the wave of arrests of North Africans on terrorism related charges across the continent. Yet very little is known about exactly who these North African militants are, what is motivating them and how and why they became attracted to radical interpretations of Islam. It is often assumed that these radicals are linked to Al Qaeda and share the same broad internationalist vision. A closer look suggests that these first generation immigrants continue to be preoccupied as much by national politics as any notion of a globalized form of Islam. Little attention has also been paid to the complex relationship between these militant elements and the wider North African communities residing in Europe. Although the War on Terror has made many North African immigrants feel increasingly uncomfortable, it has arguably also enabled the more politicized moderate parts of the Islamist community to increase their role and influence, with questionable consequences for these communities as a whole.