Stress and coping among migrant labourers in urban Vietnam: an adaptation cycle and health vulnerabilities
International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care
ISSN: 1747-9894
Article publication date: 20 October 2010
Abstract
Rural‐urban migration continues to grow in many developing countries including Vietnam. The experience of stress and coping associated with this process may vary for people from different circumstances. However, there has been little research on migrants to date. This study adopts a qualitative approach to research on unregistered, male, migrant freelance labourers in urban Vietnam and to explore factors contributing to stress and coping among this population. The study revealed an array of stressors related to migrants' life experiences in urban space, including physical, financial and social factors. Coping was diverse, including problem‐focused coping (PFC) and emotion‐focused coping (EFC), pro‐social and anti‐social, active and passive. Less active and anti‐social coping appeared common. Together, weak social network and lack of support from formal systems placed coping and adaptation in a cyclic relationship. The results highlight a multi‐disciplinary approach to help cope and adapt effectively for these men.
Keywords
Citation
Van Huy, N., Dunne, M., Debattista, J. and An, D. (2010), "Stress and coping among migrant labourers in urban Vietnam: an adaptation cycle and health vulnerabilities", International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care, Vol. 6 No. 2, pp. 15-30. https://doi.org/10.5042/ijmhsc.2010.0607
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2010, Emerald Group Publishing Limited