ABSTRACT

This chapter discusses that internal and external migration has been concerned with the severe psychological difficulties that often accompany experiences of migration, especially when migration has been the outcome of coercion and violence in the place of origin. It also discusses the sufferings and psychopathologies attendant upon migration, widespread as these are, but rather look at more positive aspects of "migratory" experiences of various kinds, as these contribute to personal and cultural development. The chapter explores the view that identification is a process that begins in fundamental, personality-forming ways early in life, but which continues throughout life, as different life stages are encountered. Even in clinical work with patients suffering the effects of external sources of psychological damage, it often happens that connections are made by analysts with the early developmental and object relations history of patients. Migration is therefore to be seen as a space for creativity and development, as well as a possible location of pain and loss.