Browsing by Author "Dinis, Ana Margarida Ricardo"
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- Anxiety disorders among immigrants in european host countries versus native population: a systematic review and meta-analysisPublication . Dinis, Ana Margarida Ricardo; Fernandes, Carina; Alves, SóniaBackground: Migration plays an increasingly central role in European societies, with voluntary migrants making up a substantial and diverse part of the population in many host countries. Although interest in immigrant mental health has grown in recent years, relatively few studies have directly compared the psychological outcomes of immigrants and native-born populations using standardized self-report instruments. In particular, evidence remains limited regarding differences in anxiety symptoms between these groups. This gap is especially relevant in the European context, where voluntary migrants constitute a significant portion of the population and continue to influence public health priorities. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to critically evaluate whether voluntary migrants in European host countries experience significantly different levels of anxiety symptoms compared to native-born individuals, based on validated self-report instruments. By synthesizing existing evidence, this study aims to highlight potential mental health disparities within increasingly diverse European societies. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across Medline, PsycINFO, and Web of Science, identifying peer-reviewed studies published from 2010 onward. Eligible studies included comparisons of anxiety symptoms between voluntary migrants and native-born populations within European countries, using standardized self-report anxiety measures. Results: Five studies were included in the final analysis, representing six comparisons. The meta-analysis revealed a small but statistically significant effect, with voluntary migrants reporting higher anxiety symptoms than native-born individuals (Hedges’ g = 0.25, 95% CI [0.05, 0.46], p = .016). However, substantial heterogeneity was observed across studies (I² = 81.8%). A sensitivity analysis excluding two comparisons that increased the pooled effect (Hedges’ g = 0.33, 95% CI [0.24, 0.42], p < .001) and reduced heterogeneity to non-significant levels (I² = 0%). Discussion: These findings indicate that even among voluntary migrants elevated anxiety symptoms may be present. Although such migrants are not typically exposed to the acute trauma experienced by forcibly displaced populations, the psychological demands of migration, such as cultural adaptation, social isolation, and systemic barriers, can still contribute to distress. The small but consistent effect observed across studies indicates a consistent pattern. These results highlight the importance of culturally informed mental health strategies and equitable access to services that respond to the specific needs of immigrant populations within European host societies. Conclusion: This review provides evidence of a consistent increase in anxiety symptoms among immigrants in Europe compared to native-born populations, suggesting that migration may carry a psychological burden linked to various stressors. Given the increasing diversity of European societies, the results emphasize the need for inclusive mental health strategies that are responsive to the experiences of voluntary migrants. Further research using longitudinal designs and culturally validated instruments is essential to better understand how anxiety evolves over time and to inform effective, evidence-based interventions.
- Trevo: uma proposta de intervenção para a população institucionalizada em lares de infância e juventudePublication . Dinis, Ana Margarida Ricardo; Rebocho, Maria FranciscaO programa Trevo emerge da necessidade premente de suprir a lacuna relativa à inexistência de programas multidisciplinares para a população institucionalizada que, simultaneamente, desenvolvam competências pessoais e sociais, bem como a responsabilidade e autonomia. Baseado na literatura disponível, o programa Trevo propõe-se a desenvolver diversas competências em jovens institucionalizados em Lares de Infância e Juventude. O seu desenho contempla um total de seis módulos, abordando tópicos como a comunicação, as relações interpessoais, as emoções, a autonomia e responsabilidade e temas considerados tabu. Saliente-se que o Trevo é uma proposta de intervenção não implementada, embora o facto de se basear em diversos projetos de sucesso antecipe resultados positivos para os jovens institucionalizados.