Between Ulises and Penélope: Integrating the gender perspective in studies on the mental health of migrant women

Abstract

The so-called feminization of migration is not a recent phenomenon; however, women are not always included in research. Their mental health has not been specifically addressed, Ulysses syndrome assesses a set of vulnerabilities and stressors, but it does not contain a gender perspective. On the other hand, Penelope Syndrome is a non-homogeneous concept that does not contribute to abandoning the role of housewife-mother-caregiver as the only profile of a migrant woman. The mental health of women in general appears to be continuously related to gender roles and stereotypes. These situations do not allow the mental health of migrant women to be evaluated comprehensively and considering their persona, social and cultural perspectives, which is why the creation of Nellie Bly Syndrome is discussed here.