Mobilidade social subjetiva, saúde mental e satisfação no trabalho

: um estudo na comunidade brasileira residente em Portugal

Abstract

The mental health of the Brazilian community in Portugal is influenced by factors such as perceived social status and job satisfaction. This study aimed to explore the association between subjective social mobility (SSM), job satisfaction, and mental health within this population. Between January and May 2025, an online questionnaire was distributed via social media, email, a call center, and a Residential Structure for Elderly People (ERPI). Sociodemographic data were collected, along with SSM (measured as the difference between subjective social status in Portugal and Brazil using the MacArthur Scale), mental health status (scored using the Mental Health Inventory-5), and job satisfaction (overall, intrinsic, and extrinsic). The sample (n=105) was predominantly composed of women (84.8%) and included mainly direct support workers and salespeople (31.4%), with a mean age of 32.68 years. Mental health status and job satisfaction were compared across three SSM levels: stable, upward, and downward mobility. A total of 61.9% of participants perceived a downward SSM. Although the differences were not statistically significant, participants with upward SSM reported worse mental health outcomes (M=36.48; SD=12.91), compared to those with stable (M=44.94; SD=12.87) and downward (M=40.82; SD=15.48) perceived status. Job satisfaction was significantly associated with better mental health in the multiple linear regression model (β=0.319; p < .001). These findings suggest that the Brazilian community living in Portugal experiences poor mental health and highlight the importance of job satisfaction in the migration context. These factors are relevant for future research and provide insights for clinical psychology practice in Portugal with these communities.

Date of Award	16 Jul 2025
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Diogo Costa (Supervisor)