van der Ham Alida Joanna, Ujano-Batangan Maria Theresa, Ignacio Raquel, Wolffers Ivan
VU University Amsterdam
University of the Philippines.
Transcult Psychiatry. 2014 Aug;51(4):545-68. doi: 10.1177/1363461514539028. Epub 2014 Jun 27.
Domestic workers face many migration-related stressors that affect their mental health. Currently there is an emphasis in the literature on these workers' problems and vulnerability, while there is little insight into factors that positively affect their mental health. In this study, we describe a range of factors that potentially contribute to the resilience of female domestic workers from the Philippines, and explore their relation to stress and well-being. The study used an explorative, mixed-methods design. First, data were collected using questionnaires (n = 500) to assess self-perceived stress levels, well-being, personal resources, and social resources. Then, findings from the questionnaires were validated and elaborated on in a workshop (n = 23) and two focus groups (n = 13; n = 8). Results show that participants perceived their well-being abroad as relatively good, while they also experienced high levels of stress. Workers used a variety of resources in dealing with stress. Socially oriented coping strategies and spirituality seemed to play an important role as personal resources, while the influence of reasons for migration was less clear. Employers and (access to) social networks appeared important in determining social resources. Social resources were more often related to stress and well-being than were personal resources. Findings from this study can help to design strengths-based interventions aimed at improving the well-being of female domestic workers and preventing mental health problems. The environmental factors and structural constraints that provide the context for resilience should be further explored as they influence the ability to mobilize resources.
家政工人面临许多与移民相关的压力源，这些压力源会影响他们的心理健康。目前，文献中重点关注这些工人的问题和脆弱性，而对积极影响他们心理健康的因素却鲜有深入探讨。在本研究中，我们描述了一系列可能有助于菲律宾女性家政工人恢复力的因素，并探讨了它们与压力和幸福感的关系。该研究采用了探索性的混合方法设计。首先，通过问卷调查（n = 500）收集数据，以评估自我感知的压力水平、幸福感、个人资源和社会资源。然后，在一个研讨会（n = 23）和两个焦点小组（n = 13；n = 8）中对问卷调查结果进行了验证和详细阐述。结果表明，参与者认为他们在国外的幸福感相对较好，但他们也经历了高水平的压力。工人们在应对压力时使用了各种资源。以社会为导向的应对策略和精神层面的因素似乎作为个人资源发挥了重要作用，而移民原因的影响则不太明确。雇主和（获得）社会网络在决定社会资源方面显得很重要。社会资源比个人资源更常与压力和幸福感相关。本研究的结果有助于设计基于优势的干预措施，旨在改善女性家政工人的幸福感并预防心理健康问题。由于环境因素和结构限制会影响调动资源的能力，因此应进一步探索为恢复力提供背景的这些因素。
