MONTEIRO, Ana Paula; FRANCISCO, Isabel; ANTUNES, Catarina    PEREIRA, Renata. Saúde Mental em Grupos Étnicos Minoritários: Representações sobre Saúde Mental em Adultos e Crianças de Comunidades Ciganas Residentes na Região Centro de Portugal. []. , 9, pp.36-40. ISSN 1647-2160.

In Portugal, systemized research on the social representations of mental health in minority groups is scarce and it is even scarcer with Roma communities. This quantitative exploratory study aimed to understand the social representations of mental health in Portuguese Roma people residing in the center region of Portugal (Coimbra). Qualitative data collection methods were used: document analysis, interviews to key informants and focus groups. Findings suggest that the culturally-based conceptions of mental health and emotional well-being in these Roma participants have an integrating and holistic component, without a clear separation between the concept of "physical health" and "mental health". In this group, the notion of mental health and emotional well-being is strongly associated with the family’s well-being, including the extended family, and not only with the individual well-being.

: Social Representations of mental health; minority ethnic groups; Roma communities.

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