The Transcultural Approach of Psychology in Migration Contexts

Culture is the set of knowledge, beliefs, values, norms and practices that are shared by a human group. It influences the way in which individuals perceive the surrounding world and shapes the very identity of the subjects. Transcultural psychology is the discipline that studies the interaction between culture and the psyche, deepening the link between psychological well-being and cultural phenomena. This branch of psychology becomes particularly relevant in the context of forced migration , since the subjects are often exposed to traumas and difficulties that must be read in relation to their own symbolic universe . Transcultural psychology offers intervention tools that take into account the cultural constructions of which the subject is a bearer. The operator's position must be that of cultural decentralization , that is, of suspending judgment towards the Other, grasping his symbolic-cultural universe . The transcultural approach facilitates the creation of a relationship of trust with patients as they do not feel judged, and this helps them in their healing process.

The Transcultural Psychology course offered by INTERSOS Lab is a fundamental opportunity for professionals in the field who work in multicultural contexts, offering them theoretical and practical tools to support migrants. The course, starting on November 27, is divided into 4 training days, held by psychologist Cristina Ialongo with interventions by partner organizations Etna, Crinali and INTERSOS colleagues from foreign missions. In particular, the course will focus on the need for a transcultural approach in psychological practice, which takes into account cultural and linguistic barriers, differences in values and customs and the way in which traumas are experienced and interpreted in different cultural contexts.

Alessandra Izzo , a recent graduate in Psychology and Health and author of a thesis on gender violence suffered by migrant women along the trafficking route, attended the Transcultural Psychology course in the last edition . In addition to providing her with essential tools for deepening her research work, attending the course allowed her to meet Dr. Cristina Ialongo, psychologist at INTERSOS Lab and trainer of the course , who gave her a short interview useful for the purpose of her thesis work. In her research, Izzo highlights the fragility of migrant women victims of both physical and psychological violence during the migratory process. As Cristina Ialongo also explains, the transcultural approach is essential in addressing post-migration trauma, the result of sexual exploitation, abuse, psychological pressure and emotional violence. In fact, as also underlined in the interview reported in the thesis, "Dr. Ialongo, talks about how important it is to establish a therapeutic relationship not based on the story of violence and underlines the key role of trained cultural mediators, especially because they are women themselves coming from that culture. Often, in fact, women worry that the operator may not understand the symbols, references and emotional and cultural meanings present in their stories, fearing therefore to be judged".

The Transcultural Psychology course then focuses on access to services and the cultural and bureaucratic barriers that prevent their use, limiting the requests for help from the beneficiaries. As emerges from the interviews contained in Izzo's research work, migrant women often struggle to access services due to linguistic obstacles and fear of being victims of social stigma . The lack of adequately trained cultural mediators in public facilities can in fact compromise the healing paths of these women. For example, the thesis makes specific reference to the fact that the possible sending of beneficiaries to counseling services that are not adequately prepared from a transcultural perspective risks losing its meaning, for example "if the operators of that counseling center are not prepared to deal with issues such as female genital mutilation". Dr. Ialongo therefore invites us to think about the strengthening and specific training of health workers, in order to guarantee an understanding of the Other that avoids judgments and misunderstandings. Precisely for this reason, the INTERSOS Lab Transcultural Psychology course is aimed at those who have a psycho-social-health background and/or who work in reception contexts with a strong migratory presence . The course allows professionals in the sector to develop a greater awareness of the psychological and social dynamics linked to migration and the vulnerabilities that are associated with it.

The course will be delivered remotely with the possibility of also following the last two meetings in person , and will be video recorded to allow for complete use. The teaching will be frontal but with presentation and analysis of case studies and role plays, in order to have participants compare themselves with real situations that can be encountered in their work contexts. If you want to deepen your knowledge of cultural dynamics and their influence on psychological processes, sign up for the Transcultural Psychology course.

For further information, please visit the course page on our website or write to formazione@intersoslab.it

Special thanks to Alessandra Izzo for sharing her research and thesis material.