On Being Insane in Alien Places: Case Histories from British India, c. 1800–1930

Abstract

The motivation for leaving one’s homeland on a permanent or temporary basis has been identified in studies on migration as an important factor influencing migrants’ physical and mental wellbeing. It has been argued that migrants might possess different characteristics from those inclined to stay behind and may be more, or less, prone to developing particular physical or mental conditions. Push and pull factors have been highlighted most commonly, with economic hardship being considered typical of the former and the expectation of rewarding career prospects or exciting adventures of the latter. Either way, disappointment, feelings of dislocation and utter despair may affect both permanent and temporary migrants. Conversely, migration may not always result in deteriorating mental and physical health, it can sometimes lead to better health and happiness following departure from adverse circumstances in the home country. Research tends to focus on the negative effects of migration on health and on the stresses and challenges migrants face, rather than any enabling and beneficial factors.