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Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences
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An Inquiry Into the "Agonies" (Agonias) of Portuguese Immigrants From the Azores

Susan James

University of British Columbia, susan.james{at}ubc.ca

Geoffrey S. Navara

Wilfrid Laurier University

Juanne N. Clarke

Wilfrid Laurier University

Jonathan Lomotey

Wilfrid Laurier University

Previous research has found that psychiatric symptom expression is inextricably linked with culture and that psychiatric categories do not necessarily reflect the experiences of people from other cultures. Using a multidisciplinary approach, this study explored the Portuguese culture-specific phenomenon agonias (meaning "the agonies"). Fifty (21 males and 29 females) Portuguese immigrants from the Azores were interviewed concerning their immigration experience, family life, health, healing, suffering, and understanding of agonias. Although there was diversity among the participants’ responses, a cohesive and systemic understanding of agonias arose from the narratives. A link between the somatic symptoms of agonias and psychological processes, social context, and religious beliefs was demonstrated, and highlighted that psychiatric categories are limited when classifying a multidimensional experience like agonias.

Key Words: immigrant • culture • Portuguese • mental health • cultural psychology • multicultural counseling

Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, Vol. 27, No. 4, 547-564 (2005)
DOI: 10.1177/0739986305281084
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