Disruption and Reconstruction of Networks Following Migration/Relocation
Abstract
An understanding of the core variables of the construct “social networks” allows to understand how personal stress and family conflicts are an almost unavoidable (normative) byproduct of relocation. Throughout the process of relocation, the emotional needs of individuals increase markedly, while their social support network is severely disrupted: many crucial links are left behind and the individual’s needs are poorly filled by either family (if the family moved together) or new relationships. As a result, relocations are strongly associated with increased psychosomatic and interpersonal distress.