One of the first and most important aspects of moving to another country is the thoughts and mental processes which not only go into the decision making but also form the background against which we consider emigration in the first place.
If you are considering emigration, you are on the verge of a major life event that is characterized by stress, the feeling of loss and major change.
What are the different phases of migration and what could be expected during each phase?
You have made the decision and you have good reasons that motivate you to get through this stressful time, but what can you expect next. There are different stages or phases in migration
Preparatory phase
This phase includes preparing for emigrating and can cause a mixture of contradictory feelings such as excitement about this new adventure but sadness or guilt at the realization of family relationships that will change and leaving the country of birth.
The act of migration
This phase entails the physical act of migration as well as saying goodbye to close family members and friends and the emotions experienced during this time.
Period of overcompensation
In this phase the stressful aspects associated with migration is not yet allowed to surface individuals and families are attempting to survive and adapt to a new cultural context.
Period of decompensation or crisis
During this phase the impact of the migration and the new cultural context is experienced by families. The coping mechanisms of families are tested as they are confronted with the task of transforming their family identity to include different gender roles and cultural norms of their new country.