Mastering change: epidemiological and case studies in Senegal, West Africa

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Abstract
While it is often assumed that persons exposed to rapid social change incur a risk to their mental health, research results are inconsistent. Urban migrants (269) in Senegal, West Africa, did not demonstrate worse mental health than did 300 rural nonmigrants. Case studies suggest that outcome is determined not by change per se but by social contingencies which modify the situations, and by personal assets which individuals bring with them. Critical factors include the persistence of familiar cultural forms within the new environment and skills such as literacy and the ability to creatively integrate elements of the old and new cultures.

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