Social network changes may occur during disruptive events (e.g., COVID-19), especially with immigrants who need to rebuild networks, undermining their mental health. Study 1 (N =18) investigates immigrants' perceived changes before and during the pandemic in their networks, mental health, social support and social capital. Study 2 (N =53) examines the same in a sample of non-migrants. Convenience samples were collected online between July and November 2020, addressing participants' perceived health networks and mental health through name generators (alters’ names), name interpreters (attributes), position generator (social capital), and the Mental Health Inventory-5. E-net software assessed the network's efficiency and homophily. Study 1 results revealed immigrants reduced their mental health, and network changes by decreasing social support, efficiency and social capital. In study 2, non-migrant network changes were small, not compromising their efficiency and social capital. Contributions suggest the importance of health crisis management with actions to support migrant social networks.

Paulo Nascimento has completed his PhD in psychology at the age of 29 years from Lisbon University, Portugal. His research has focused on the social determinants of immigrants' health, including social networks, social capital, and social support. Additionally, he has conducted community and participatory interventions like Digital Storytelling workshops to enhance immigrants' social determinants of health and as a tool for empowerment. He has published his work in highly regarded journals in the field.