How the Migration Process drives the establishment of a Psychological Home: An Italian mixed methods study in the light of Community Psychology

The concept of "home" holds profound significance for individuals, yet its definition becomes complex amid changes in living environments, particularly for migrants. This doctoral project explores how migrants construct their psychological sense of home and its impact on well-being. Defense mechanisms, such as idealization or assimilation, play a pivotal role in shaping migrants' psychological sense of home, evolving over time. Despite recognizing the significance of home in migrants' lives, there is a research gap in understanding their psychological sense of home. The study adopts a community psychology approach to migration research, emphasizing relational aspects, contextual interactions, and intervention development. Italy's social scenario, marked by cultural pluralism, makes this approach particularly relevant. The thesis comprises five chapters, offering a theoretical framework, exploring the concept of home, presenting the research question, describing the Italian context, and detailing the methodology. The main studies include a literature review, qualitative interviews, and a quantitative study, each contributing to a comprehensive understanding of migrants' psychological sense of home. The final chapter integrates findings, elucidating the process of establishing a psychological home for migrants. It explores bridging gaps between individual and community-focused migration studies, highlights study limitations, suggests future research, and outlines practical implications. The study contributes valuable insights into the intricate relationship between migrants' psychological sense of home, well-being, and community interactions.