Immigrants encounter numerous disparities compared to non-migrants, as migration is a disruptive event that negatively impacts their mental health. Lack of support networks, dual identities, and traumatic experiences contribute to this vulnerability. In response, community-based artistic and digital interventions, such as textile design, embroidery, and digital storytelling workshops, have emerged as promising strategies to promote their mental well-being. However, these interventions often lack theoretical grounding to guide and maximize their individual and combined effects. We address this gap by integrating three theoretical frameworks that can scaffold interventions designed to support immigrants’ mental health. First, the Network Episode Model (NEM) provides a foundation for designing community textile workshops where immigrants can create social networks and integrate within their new communities. Second, the dual identity model informs embroidery workshops to help participants navigate identity conflicts, while strengthening belonging and self-esteem. Finally, narrative theory shapes digital Storytelling workshops, allowing immigrants to construct personal stories that give meaning to traumatic experiences through self-expression and catharsis. Building on NEM, the dual identity model, and narrative theory, this paper presents a theoretical approach that facilitates both innovative design of interventions to promote mental health and systematic evaluation of effects based on theoretical concepts.

Authors:
Paulo Nascimento, University of Madeira, Portugal
Élvio Rúbio Gouveia, University of Lisbon, Portugal
Sabine Madsen, Copenhagen Business School, Denmark
Pedro Campos, University of Madeira, Portugal

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Paulo Nascimento is currently a postdoctoral researcher within the Egames Lab project at the ITI/LARSYS research center.

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