We often assume that people emigrate due to political, work and social circumstances… But we lose sight of the fact that Behind voluntary migration there are also complex psychological reasons
The reasons that lead a person to emigrate are initially unknown. Only with the passage of time is it possible to gain perspective and redefine the deepest motivations.
However, we know from clinical practice that The psychosocial motivations of migration have to do with four fundamental needs that are related to each other. These are: identity, self-esteem, belonging and meaning.
1. Identity
For many, the sense of identity is not created or discovered, it is given. On the contrary, those who emigrate of their own accord do so because they consider that a new physical space is the prerequisite for the development of their identity. The questions at stake are, “Who am I?” and “who could I become if I lived in another context?”
The need to know the world is a reflection of the desire we have to know ourselves. Only when we are in a space free of social conditioning can we feel free to explore our identity Anonymity allows the immigrant to transgress the limits imposed by the culture of origin, which often seem monotonous, oppressive and unstimulating. Living new experiences in other places helps us know ourselves better and feel more authentic.
2. Self-esteem
Deciding where to live, solving bureaucratic problems, learning a language and adapting to a new culture are just some of the difficulties that immigrants face daily.
The development of self-confidence is the product of the conviction that we will be able to do something because we have done it before. In this sense, Immigration allows us to prove to ourselves that we are capable of (surviving) in unpredictable circumstances, at the same time that it confronts us with our limitations. Or in the words of Seneca, “no person is more unhappy than he who is never faced with adversity, because he is not allowed to prove himself.”
3. Belonging
The migration process begins long before emigrating. Immigrants often feel like they never fully belonged in their country of origin
The idea of ”feeling at home” has more to do with the relationship established with the environment and other people than with a specific property, region or country. We feel at home in those moments when we are understood and accepted unconditionally. Carl Jung summarized this idea by saying: “loneliness does not consist of not having people around, but of not being able to communicate the things that seem important to one, or of remaining silent on certain points of view that others find inadmissible.”
Looking for a job, renting, buying a house and establishing deep relationships are activities that root a person in a physical place, but it is also possible to do this process in several places, it is not necessary to choose one.
However, systematically moving away from a solid center can lead to a fragile and insecure identity For this reason, it is advisable to establish a specific reference point to avoid feeling in “limbo” and losing the sense of continuity. There comes a time when every itinerary traveler needs to stop and establish a work, personal and emotional project, even if it is for a while.
On a psychological level, Migration can be understood as an escape, but also as a manifestation of a spiritual or transcendent search It’s about feeling like you can belong to something bigger than yourself. The big questions here are: “what makes us human?” and “what unites us and separates us?”
Cultural differences, which at first glance seem unfathomable, They manage to be transcended when the same values of tolerance and respect are shared For this reason, it is not surprising that there are so many friends and couples of different nationalities who find similarities in values more important than local customs and idiosyncrasies.
Living between two lands allows us to have a broader, less provincial perspective and understand ourselves as an active part of the world.
