The effects of ethnic identity and acculturation in mental health of immigrants: A literature review

The association between cultural and linguistic maintenance and mental health in migrant adolescents: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Although previous reviews have examined the relationship between heritage cultural maintenance and mental health outcomes among migrants, none have focussed specifically on migrant adolescents (i.e. those aged 10-24 years).

AIMS

To examine (1) the focus, scope and nature of quantitative empirical research investigating heritage cultural maintenance - including linguistic maintenance - and mental health outcomes among migrant adolescents globally and (2) the association between cultural and linguistic maintenance and migrant adolescents' mental health outcomes.

METHOD

Following the Arksey and O'Malley methodological framework for scoping reviews, we searched 11 electronic health, medical, social science and language databases from database inception until the search date (6 June 2023), using English search terms. We extracted data from included empirical studies using a template with pre-defined data items, which we present in comprehensive overviews and narrative summaries.

RESULTS

Thirty-four studies met our inclusion criteria. We identified considerable heterogeneity between studies regarding their research foci, methodologies, terminologies, outcomes and findings regarding the association between cultural maintenance and mental health outcomes. We specifically identified mixed findings regarding the latter, which cannot be transferred or generalised.

CONCLUSIONS

The heterogenous nature of methodologies and outcome measures in the published literature, in addition to a scarcity of research from low- and middle-income countries, have hindered meaningful progress in this field. Efforts to address these issues, and to take adolescent context into consideration, will facilitate a more accurate understanding of how cultural maintenance relates to migrant adolescent mental health, and inform future interventions to improve mental health outcomes.

Language proficiency and ethnic-racial orientation among Latine mother-adolescent dyads

Language proficiencies have implications for how parents and children can communicate effectively and how culture and heritage can be transferred across generations. Previous research has sought to understand the relationship between parent language (mainstream, heritage) proficiencies and the ethnic-racial orientation of their children, though prior studies have not investigated the relationship between child language proficiencies and parent ethnic-racial orientation. This study examined the actor-partner effects of Latine mother-child dyads (N = 175; youth mean age = 12.86 years) regarding their proficiencies in English and Spanish and their Latine and White orientations. Our results revealed that youth Spanish language proficiency was positively linked to youth White orientation, and youth English proficiency was also positively associated with youth White orientation but only in instances when youth-reported acculturation conflict was lower or average. There were two partner effects observed, with youth English proficiency positively relating to mother's White orientation and mothers' Spanish proficiency being negatively related to youth White orientation. Regarding Latine orientation, both English and Spanish were positively related to greater Latine orientation for both mothers and their children. However, at higher levels of mother-reported acculturation conflict, higher mother English proficiency was related to lower youth Latine orientation. Overall, language proficiencies for Latine mothers and their children contribute to the development of bicultural orientations, though varying degrees of acculturation conflict can have differential impacts on these linkages.

A qualitative evaluation of the use of Problem Management Plus (PM+) among Arabic-speaking migrants with psychological distress in France - The APEX study

ABSTRACTBackground: Feasibility studies with non-French speaking migrants in France are needed to inform appropriate adaptation of psychosocial intervention procedures.Objective: To test the WHO Problem Management Plus (PM+) intervention protocol for Arabic-speaking migrants in the Paris metropolitan region.Methods: Between 2019 and 2021 we recruited participants from three accommodation centres receiving asylum seekers or migrants experiencing social and economic difficulties. Participants experiencing psychological distress underwent five PM + sessions with trained helpers. Feasibility was evaluated through 15 interviews with 8 participants, 4 helpers, and 3 study supervisors. Interview topics covered PM + implementation in general and for each component. We also sought to understand problems with delivery and gathered suggestions for improvement. Data were analysed thematically using a deductive approach.Results: We found implementation of PM + to be feasible, with predominantly positive reactions from participants, helpers and study staff. All intervention components were considered beneficial, with breathing exercises considered easy to implement and often sustained. Selection of problems and strategies to address them were described as challenging to execute. Psychosocial support from and rapport with helpers and the use of the native language were considered key strengths of the programme. However, we observed the need for complementary or higher intensity psychological support in some cases. Findings also highlighted the importance of addressing distress among non-specialist helpers delivering PM + . Finally, local guidance to social resources were suggested to be added in the protocol.Conclusion: PM + was well-liked and feasible, with cultural adjustments and increased access to community resources for migrants needed.

Acculturation and self-rated health among Chinese and Korean immigrants aged 49 to 75

Background

Given the rapidly growing Asian populations in the U.S. due to immigration, and the aging demographic of Asian immigrants, it is crucial to understand how acculturation shapes health among older adult Asian immigrants. We study the relationship between acculturation and self-rated health (SRH) and moderating roles of age and Asian subgroup.

Methods

Our cross-sectional study consisted of 200 Chinese and 200 Korean immigrants aged 49-75 living in Baltimore-Washington DC metropolitan area, who were recruited from primary care physicians' clinics in Maryland and Northern Virginia. The participants completed the survey either in-person or by phone in their preferred language. Multidimensional proxies were used to measure acculturation: years living in the U.S. (≥23 years, <23 years), English proficiency (fluently/well, so-so, poorly/not at all), and ethnic identity (very Asian, mostly Asian, bicultural/westernized). SRH was measured using the question "How would you rate your general health?" (excellent/very good/good, fair/poor). Poisson regression models with robust error variance examined associations between acculturation and SRH, accounting for socioeconomic and health insurance factors.

Results

Speaking English so-so and fluently/well had 0.73 (95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.55-0.97) and 0.51 (95% CI: 0.30-0.87) times the prevalence of having fair or poor SRH compared to speaking English poorly/not at all, respectively. The magnitudes and statistical significance of these associations were stronger among Chinese participants than Korean participants. Moreover, individuals who self-identified as bicultural/westernized had 0.63 times the prevalence of having fair or poor SRH (95% CI: 0.43-0.92) as those who self-identified as very Asian. The association was more pronounced among older participants (≥58) compared to younger participants (<58).

Conclusion

Further research should identify the possible mechanisms linking acculturation with health to find effective strategies to enhance health among aging Asian immigrant populations.

Cultural immersion, acculturation strategies, and depressive symptoms among first-generation Vietnamese migrants in Germany

BACKGROUND

Worldwide migration represents a major challenge of the 21st century. Despite the strong association between acculturation and mental health, research findings on underlining mechanisms remain inconsistent. Prior research urges to investigate sample characteristics in a more structured manner.

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to systematically investigate factors impacting acculturation and depressive symptoms in a large, not exclusively clinical, sample of Vietnamese migrants in Germany.

METHOD

This study investigated, with multiple regressions, factors (age at arrival, gender, education, religiousness, language skills, residence status, economic status, occupational status, migration motivation, duration of stay, and depressive symptoms) impacting the two dimensions of acculturation, dominant society immersion (DSI) and ethnic society immersion (ESI), in a not exclusively clinical sample (n = 582) of first-generation Vietnamese migrants in Germany. Further, this study examined the relationship between depressive symptoms, DSI and ESI with correlations and acculturation strategies with an ANOVA.

RESULTS

Integration (72.5%) was the most common acculturation strategy, followed by separation (26.8%). In contrast, assimilation (0.5%) and marginalization (0.2%) were very rare acculturation strategies. As predictive factors for DSI lower depressive symptoms scores, male gender, higher education, and better German language skills were found significant. For ESI, less German language skills and older age at arrival were found to be significant. Higher ESI and DSI were correlated to lower depressive symptom scores. Compared to the three other acculturation strategies, integration was linked to the lowest depressive symptoms scores.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study identified crucial factors in the acculturation process, such as depressive symptoms, language skills, education, gender, and age at arrival. Our findings emphasize that immersion into both the dominant and the ethnic culture plays an essential supportive role in the mental health of migrants.

Acculturative Stress, Mental Health, and Well-Being among Deaf Adults

Acculturative stress is associated with negative mental health among culturally diverse individuals. Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) individuals experience acculturative stress as they navigate within and between the Hearing and Deaf communities, yet, research has not examined the relationship between deaf acculturative stress and psychological functioning. This study examined the relationships between deaf acculturative stress, well-being, and symptoms of depression and anxiety. One hundred and ten DHH adults (71.6% female, 82.7% White, median age = 30-39) completed an online survey including the Multidimensional Inventory of Deaf Acculturative Stress (MIDAS), demographic questions, and measures of psychological functioning. After controlling for relevant sociodemographic factors, the MIDAS Stress from the Deaf and Hearing Community scales emerged as significant predictors of well-being and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Findings are discussed within the context of DHH sociocultural experiences, and suggestions for future research are offered to inform clinical work with DHH individuals.

Impact of Cultural and Linguistic Maintenance on Mental Health Outcomes in Migrant Adolescents: Protocol for a Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

There is no consensus on how the disruption or maintenance of heritage culture and language affect mental health outcomes in adolescents with a migrant (also known as "immigrant" or "international migrant") background. Even though previous literature reviews have investigated the association between acculturation and mental health in migrants, none have explicitly focused on adolescents.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the scoping review described in this protocol is to understand (1) the focus, scope, and nature of quantitative empirical research investigating heritage cultural maintenance, including linguistic maintenance, and mental health outcomes in adolescents with a migrant background worldwide and (2) the potential effects of cultural and linguistic maintenance or disruption on migrant adolescent mental health outcomes.

METHODS

A total of 11 key electronic health, medical, social science, and language databases (APA PsycArticles Full Text; Embase Classic+Embase; Ovid MEDLINE All and Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process, In-Data-Review and Other Non-Indexed Citations and Daily; Ovid MEDLINE All; APA PsycInfo; University of Melbourne full-text journals; Science Citation Index Expanded; Social Sciences Citation Index; Arts & Humanities Citation Index; Scopus; Linguistics and Language Behavior Abstracts) were searched. Databases were searched without time restrictions from the beginning of their coverage. Publication date, location, and quantitative study design (except for literature reviews) were not restricted; however, the search was only conducted in English. Data from included studies will be extracted using a template with predefined data items, and results will be summarized in a structured, narrative summary.

RESULTS

A search was conducted on April 20, 2021, returning 2569 results. We are currently at the final stages of screening titles and abstracts of our search results, which will be followed by a full-text review and the data extraction of included studies. We expect to submit the full review for publication by the end of 2023.

CONCLUSIONS

The scoping review aims to provide a better understanding of existing research on the association between cultural (including linguistic) maintenance and mental health in migrant adolescents. It will help identify gaps in the existing literature and develop hypotheses that could inform future research, eventually facilitating the development of targeted prevention initiatives and improving migrant adolescents' well-being.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/40143.

Feasibility of Implementing a Mindfulness-Based Online Program for Latina Immigrants and the Staff that Work with Them

Objective

Post-migration stress and trauma impact the way Latino/a immigrants in the USA experience everyday life. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) reduce stress and strengthen mental health by improving the response to stressors and promoting physical and psychological well-being; however, they have not been tested extensively with Latino/a immigrants in the USA, particularly MBIs implemented online. Thus, more information is needed about the feasibility of online MBIs adapted for Latino/a immigrants.

Method

This study focuses on the feasibility of an online MBI for Latina mothers and community staff members working with them (n = 41). Qualitative (three focus groups) data were collected to assess feasibility, appropriateness, acceptability, and quantitative (questionnaires) data asking about self-reported changes on stress, mindfulness, mind-body connection, subjective well-being, and perceived physical and mental health after the program.

Results

Participants in the three groups indicated the program was appropriate, feasible, and acceptable for Latina immigrant mothers and the staff serving them. Mothers' and Promotoras' (community health workers) mean scores for subjective well-being and perceived physical and mental health increased significantly from baseline to post-test. No significant changes were observed in surveys completed by the staff, even though focus group participants reported meaningful improvement.

Conclusion

Overall, the feasibility study was well received and relevant for the organization and the population they serve. The study's findings provide guidance to others who are implementing online mindfulness practices with Latina immigrants and the staff that work with them.

Preregistration

This study is not preregistered.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12671-023-02123-6.

Acculturation strategies and blood cortisol in colombian Migrants in Chile

BACKGROUND

migration is a worldwide phenomenon that is growing at an accelerated pace. When people who migrate come into contact with a new culture, they are immersed in a process called acculturation. In this process, people oscillate between maintaining their own culture or acquiring the culture and customs of the host country, resulting in the so-called acculturation strategies. According to Berry's proposal, there are four main acculturation strategies: assimilation, integration, marginalization and separation. The few existing studies of Latinos in an Anglo-Saxon country relate the use of the integration strategy (biculturalism) with lower cortisol levels. No studies have been found on the subject in Latino migrants in a Latino country.

METHOD

a cross-sectional design was used to analyze the relationship between acculturation strategies and blood cortisol levels, based on the hypothesis that an integration strategy or biculturalism would be linked to lower cortisol levels. The study involved 314 Colombian migrants in Chile, who were evaluated with a scale of acculturation strategies according to the model proposed by Berry, in addition to providing blood samples to analyze cortisol levels.

RESULTS

migrants who show a preference for leave behind the culture of the country of origin have higher levels of cortisol ng/ml in blood. According to multiple comparisons the mean cortisol value was significantly different between integrated and assimilated subjects, with the mean cortisol of the integrated being significantly lower than that of the subjects typed as marginalized.

CONCLUSION

The patterns of the relationship between biculturalism and cortisol found in Latino migrants in Anglo-Saxon countries are repeated in Latino migrants in a Latino country. It is necessary to explore the influence of other variables in this relationship, since it seems that the best adaptive strategy, and therefore the cortisol response, will vary according to the socio-cultural context of the host country.

Positive Social Interaction and Psychological Kinship Mediate the Effect of Identity Fusion on Psychological Well-Being in South-South Migrants

The present study provides evidence of how positive social interaction and the perception of psychological kinship are mechanisms by which identity fusion with the host country is associated with the psychological well-being of Venezuelan migrants in Chile. The sample consisted of 323 Venezuelan migrants, of whom 147 (45.5%) were men. The participants were residents of the city of Santiago, Chile. The variables assessed were psychological well-being, identity fusion with host country, positive social interaction, and psychological kinship. Structural equation modeling was performed to estimate the proposed mediation model. The estimation method used was robust weighted least squares estimation. The first model showed that people who felt more fused with the host country had higher levels of psychological well-being. On the other hand, the second estimated model indicated that both positive social interaction and psychological kinship fully mediate the relationship between identity fusion with the host country and immigrants’ psychological well-being. It is not the mere sensation of feeling merged with the host country that increases the psychological well-being of migrants, but rather it is the positive social interactions and feeling that members of the host country are like family that are the components that link the fusion with the host country and the psychological well-being of Venezuelan migrants in Chile.

Associations among migration risk factors, cultural identity conflict, and psychological symptoms among Syrian emerging adults with refugee backgrounds in the Netherlands

OBJECTIVES

In the present study, we examined relations between premigration, perimigration, and postmigration risk factors (i.e., potentially traumatic events [PTEs], postmigration living problems [PMLPs], stressful life events) and psychological symptoms (i.e., anxiety/depression, posttraumatic stress) in Syrian emerging adults with refugee backgrounds; we also tested cultural identity conflict as a possible mediator of these relations. We expected that greater exposure to migration risk factors was associated with more psychological symptoms and that higher cultural identity conflict would contribute to these associations.

METHODS

We used data from the first wave of Karakter, a longitudinal study of 158 Syrians with refugee backgrounds (69.0% men, age range 18-35). Participants completed a questionnaire assessing PTEs, PMLPs, stressful life events, cultural identity conflict, and symptoms of anxiety/depression and posttraumatic stress.

RESULTS

Correlational analyses indicated that more PTEs and stressful life events were related to higher levels of cultural identity conflict and more psychological symptoms. Furthermore, greater cultural identity conflict was associated with more psychological symptoms. We did not observe indirect effects of cultural identity conflict in the mediation analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that postmigration stressors and cultural identity conflict are associated with psychological symptoms among Syrian emerging adults who have resettled in the Netherlands.

Impact of new country, discrimination, and acculturation-related factors on depression and anxiety among ex-Soviet Jewish migrants: data from a population-based cross-national comparison study

Migration, displacement, and flight are major worldwide phenomena and typically pose challenges to mental health. Therefore, migrants' mental health, and the factors which may predict it, have become an important research subject. The present population-based cross-national comparison study explores symptoms of depression, anxiety, and somatization, as well as quality-of-life in samples of ex-Soviet Jewish migrants settling in three new countries: Germany, Austria and Israel, as well as in a sample of non-migrant ex-Soviet Jews in their country of origin, Russia. In the current study, we investigate the relationship of perceived xenophobiа and antisemitism, acculturation attitudes, ethnic and national identity, as well as affiliation with Jewish religion and culture to the psychological well-being of these migrants. Furthermore, we consider xenophobic and antisemitic attitudes as well as the acculturation orientation of the new countries' societies, assessed in the native control samples. Our data suggest that attitudes of the new country's society matter for the mental health of this migrant group. We conclude that the level of distress among ex-Soviet Jewish migrants seems to depend, among other factors, on the characteristics of the new country and/or specific interactions of the migrant population with the society they are settling in.

Ethnic identity and mental health stigma among Black adults in the United States

Objectives –

Mental illness stigma is a barrier to engagement in mental health services. This study assesses our hypothesis that specific ethnic identity dimensions influences mental health behavior including stigma.

Methods –

We performed an online cross sectional observational study among Black adults (n = 248, ages 18-65). We examined the relationship between an individual's approach to their racial identity in the community and stigma behavior towards mental health; generalized linear models were performed. We assessed demographic characteristics as moderators of the primary association.

Results –

Black adults with higher centrality reported lower past stigma behavior (RR=1.57, CI: 1.11-2.21, P = 0.01), but higher future intended stigma behavior (RR=0.93, CI: 0.88-0.99, P = 0.02). Majority of respondents reported high centrality and high assimilation; however, assimilation did not appear to correlate with mental health stigma behavior. Age, education and ethnicity appeared to have a limited moderating effect on the association between centrality and stigma behavior.

Conclusions –

Centrality was associated with mental health stigma behavior. By understanding the intersecting characteristics that may increase the likelihood for mental illness stigma, we will be better able to reduce mental illness stigma and optimize engagement in mental health services.

Acculturation and Disordered Eating among Asian American College Students: The Role of Objectification through a Sociocultural Lens

Disordered eating is a public health problem because it's highly prevalent, dangerous, and costly. More research about its risk factors and mechanisms is needed to address this problem and prevent disordered eating among high-risk populations, particularly understudied ethnic minorities. The present study contributes to the limited existing research on acculturation and disordered eating among Asian American college students who represent an understudied and high-risk group. The sample consisted of 245 Asian American (primarily East and Southeast Asian American) college students who provided data on their acculturation status, internalization of thin and muscular body ideals, body surveillance, body shame, and disordered eating. Results show that after controlling for gender, both cultures are positively associated with internalization of the muscular body ideal, but only the Asian culture of origin is associated with disordered eating. Additionally, path analysis results show that Asian culture of origin has a significant total effect on disordered eating as well as a significant indirect effect on disordered eating, mediated by thin body ideal internalization. While American culture does not have a significant contribution to body ideal internalization or disordered eating, it interacts with Asian culture of origin and put participants with high levels of both cultures at a greater risk for muscular body ideal internalization. Findings highlight the importance of cultural context in the understanding of body experiences and disordered eating among Asian American college students and have implications for the prevention and intervention of these problems in this high-risk population.

Social Support as a Mediator of the Relationship between Identity Fusion and Psychological Well-Being in South-South Migrant Populations

The present study provides evidence of how perceived social support is a mechanism by which identity fusion with the country of origin is associated with psychological well-being in a migrant population. The study design was cross-sectional. We use intentional sampling based on the accessibility of the participants and using the snowball strategy through an online survey. This study included 323 Venezuelan migrants, of whom 176 (54.5%) were women, all residents of the city of Santiago, Chile. The variables assessed were perceived social support, identity fusion, and psychological well-being. Structural equation modeling was used to estimate the proposed mediation model. The estimation method used was robust weighted least squares estimation. The estimated models indicated that perceived social support has a mediating effect on the positive relationship between identity fusion and psychological well-being of Venezuelan migrants residing in Chile. According to these results, feeling a sense of fusion with the country of origin and the perception of having sources of care and protection are factors that may help to improve the psychological well-being of Venezuelan migrants living in Chile. Implications and limitations of these results are discussed.

Immigrant/Acculturation Experience

In this article, we provide an overview on how to approach matters of forging a therapeutic alliance, empathetic listening, addressing issues related to obtaining informed consent, and limits of confidentiality, with cultural humility and nonjudgmental curiosity while working with diverse immigrants groups. We also discuss the use of broaching to discuss culturally sensitive topics with immigrant children and families The clinical pearls can be applied to different clinical scenarios and a variety of cross-cultural encounters.

The differential relationship of common health comorbidities with acculturative experiences in United States Latinxs

•A novel conceptualization of acculturation and related experiences is related to comorbidity.•Different patterns emerge in the relationship between acculturative experiences and health.•Toxic stress and social support may play differential roles in the risk for health comorbidities.

Reculturation: A new perspective on military-civilian transition stress

Various forms of assistance are offered to help US Veterans achieve success in their post-military lives in recognition of their service. Despite the many successes, a significant number of Veterans continue to remain at risk for negative mental health outcomes, including suicidality and low levels of life satisfaction. These findings may be due to challenges arising from cultural identity dissonance. Problematic strategies used by Veterans to reduce this dissonance can result in a lack of belongingness, a key component in Joiner's Interpersonal Theory of Suicide. The authors suggest that research on the immigrant experience of acculturation may provide a new perspective to better understand issues of identity and sense of belonging in Veterans. Given that most Veterans return to the culture in which they grew up, the authors offer the term "reculturation." The authors propose clinical psychology focus on exploring the reculturation process of Veterans to support program engagement and suicide prevention.

Behaviour change interventions to promote health and well-being among older migrants: A systematic review

Background

Whether behaviour change interventions are effective for the maintenance of older migrants’ health and well-being is uncertain. A systematic review was conducted to assess evidence for the capacity of behaviour change techniques (BCTs) to promote the health and well-being of older migrants.

Methods

Electronic databases (Cochrane CENTRAL, Embase, Ovid MEDLINE and Web of Science) were searched systematically to identify relevant randomised controlled trials, pre–post studies and quasi-experimental studies published before March 2021. Additional articles were identified through citation tracking. Studies examining BCTs used to promote the health and/or well-being of older migrants were eligible. Two independent reviewers used the Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy version 1 to extract data on BCTs. Data on intervention functions (IFs) and cultural adaption strategies were also extracted. Intervention contents (BCTs, IFs, culture adaption strategies) were compared across effective and ineffective interventions according to health and well-being outcome clusters (anthropometrics, health behaviour, physical functioning, mental health and cognitive functioning, social functioning and generic health and well-being).

Results

Forty-three studies (23 randomised controlled trials, 13 pre–post studies and 7 quasi-experimental studies) reporting on 39 interventions met the inclusion criteria. Thirteen BCTs were identified as promising for at least one outcome cluster: goal-setting (behaviour), problem-solving, behavioural contract, self-monitoring of behaviour, social support (unspecified), instruction on how to perform the behaviour, information about health consequences, information about social and environmental consequences, demonstration of the behaviour, social comparison, behavioural practice/rehearsal, generalisation of a target behaviour and addition of objects to the environment. Three BCTs (instruction on how to perform the behaviour, demonstration of the behaviour, and social comparison) and two IFs (modelling and training) were identified as promising for all outcome clusters.

Conclusions

Thirteen distinct BCTs are promising for use in future interventions to optimise health and well-being among older migrants. Future research should focus on the effectiveness of these BCTs (combinations) in various contexts and among different subgroups of older migrants, as well as the mechanisms through which they act. Given the scarcity of interventions in which cultural adaption has been taken into account, future behavioural change interventions should consider cultural appropriateness for various older migrant (sub)groups.

Trial registration

PROSPERO CRD42018112859.

Indicators of Identity and Psychological Well-Being in Immigrant Population

Multiple research has indicated that group identity processes are critical to understanding the dynamics of psychological well-being linked to migration. However, few studies have analyzed the relationship between identity from different theoretical perspectives, and the mental health of migrants in the Latin-American context. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between several identity indicators such as ethnic identity, collective self-esteem, identity fusion (with the country of origin and the host country) simultaneously, and different dimensions of psychological well-being of Colombian migrants living in Chile. The sample consisted of 887 Colombian migrants, of whom 435 (49%) were men and 452 (51%) were women. Participants were residents of the cities of Arica (n=204; 23%), Antofagasta (n=469; 52.9%), and Santiago (n=214; 24.1%) in Chile. The results revealed by structural equation modeling indicate that collective self-esteem and ethnic identity show positive relationships with almost all dimensions of psychological well-being, while identity fusion with Colombia only showed a positive relationship with the dimension positive relationships and identity fusion with Chile only showed a positive relationship with the dimension autonomy. Implications and limitations of these results are discussed at the end.

The role of discrimination, assimilation, and gender in the mental health of resettled Somali young adults: A longitudinal, moderated mediation analysis

Acculturation styles have important associations with future adjustment among immigrants and refugees, yet less is known about the individual and interpersonal factors that influence the strategy an individual adopts. High rates of discrimination may signal the receiving community's rejection of one's ethnic group, increasing pressure to assimilate and suppress one's heritage identity. Within a sample of Somali young adults (18-30, N = 185) resettled in North America, this study tested whether two acculturation styles (assimilation and integration) longitudinally mediate the relation between discrimination and three mental health outcomes (i.e., anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder), and whether gender moderated these relations. Discrimination had a direct, positive relation with future mental health symptoms for females, which was not mediated by acculturation strategy. By contrast, the association between discrimination and mental health outcomes for males was fully mediated by increased endorsement of assimilation, but not integration. Experiences of marginalization may erode connections to both the Somali community and to the nation of resettlement, which have been identified as particularly strong protective forces within this community. Interventions targeted at the receiving community to reduce the rates of discrimination toward immigrants and refugees and interventions to strengthen youth's sense of belonging in both the predominant culture and their culture of origin may improve transdiagnostic mental health outcomes.

Mixed methods study protocol to explore acculturation, lifestyles and health of immigrants from the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries in two Iberian contexts: how to face uncertainties amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

INTRODUCTION

Studies which focus on the process of acculturation in the lifestyles, nutritional status and health of immigrants from the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) in the Iberian Peninsula are still scarce. This study aims to explore the influence of the acculturation process and dietary acculturation on the lifestyle and nutritional and health status of CPLP immigrants in Portugal and Spain, focusing on two Iberian contexts: Lisbon Metropolitan Area and the Basque Country.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A mixed methods sequential explanatory design, combining cross-sectional studies and semistructured interviews. Official data will also be analysed. Primary data will be collected through a questionnaire and assessment of nutritional status and body composition. The estimated samples sizes are 1061 adults (≥18 years old) in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area and 573 in the Basque Country. Time-location sampling will be used for the quantitative component and non-probabilistic sampling for the qualitative component. If safety conditions are not guaranteed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, online studies will be conducted. The semistructured interviews will complement the questionnaire data and extend knowledge about the process of acculturation of CPLP immigrants and their relationship with eating habits and physical activity. Thematic analysis will be used for qualitative data. Triangulation of data derived from different methods will be carried out. An integrative approach will be used to address potential discrepancies in findings and limitations inherent to the study design. As inter-method discrepancies may occur, triangulation protocol will be used, elaborating a 'convergence coding matrix' to display findings emerging from each component of the study.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval was obtained through the IHMT Ethics Council (Doc No 20/2020), Portugal, and it was submitted to the Ethics Committee of the UPV/EHU (Doc No under revision), Spain.

Cultural Identity Conflict and Psychological Well-Being in Bicultural Young Adults: Do Self-Concept Clarity and Self-Esteem Matter?

ABSTRACT

The present study examined the relationship between cultural identity conflict and psychological well-being, as well as the role of self-concept clarity and self-esteem in mediating this linkage. Elevated cultural identity conflict was hypothesized to be associated with lower psychological well-being via both (lower) self-concept clarity and (lower) self-esteem, with self-concept clarity preceding self-esteem. In a cross-sectional design, 473 bicultural young adults (age range, 18-35) completed an online questionnaire assessing cultural identity conflict, self-concept clarity, self-esteem, emotional distress, psychopathological symptoms, and satisfaction with life. Correlation analyses revealed that elevated cultural identity conflict was positively associated with emotional distress and psychopathological symptoms, and negatively associated with satisfaction with life. Mediation analyses indicated that these associations were mediated by lower self-concept clarity and lower self-esteem. The results support the importance of interventions that foster the development of skills in bicultural young adults to obtain more self-concept clarity and promote self-esteem and psychological well-being.

African Refugee Youth's Experiences of Navigating Different Cultures in Canada: A "Push and Pull" Experience

Refugee youth face challenges in navigating different cultures in destination countries and require better support. However, we know little about the adaptation experiences of African refugee youth in Canada. Accordingly, this paper presents the adaptation experiences of African refugee youth and makes recommendations for ways to support youth. Twenty-eight youth took part in semi-structured interviews. Using a thematic analysis approach, qualitative data revealed four themes of: (1) ‘disruption in the family,’ where youth talked about being separated from their parent(s) and the effect on their adaptation; (2) ‘our cultures are different,’ where youth shared differences between African and mainstream Canadian culture; (3) ‘searching for identity: a cultural struggle,’ where youth narrated their struggles in finding identity; and (4) ‘learning the new culture,’ where youth narrated how they navigate African and Canadian culture. Overall, the youth presented with challenges in adapting to cultures in Canada and highlighted how these struggles were influenced by their migration journey. To promote better settlement and adaptation, youth could benefit from supports and activities that promote cultural awareness with attention to their migration experiences. Service providers could benefit from newcomer-friendly and culturally sensitive training on salient ways of how experiences of multiple cultures affect integration outcomes.

The effects of perceived discrimination, social support and ethnic identity on mental health of immigrant adolescents

Background: The number of immigrants has been increasing. Immigrant adolescents experience an acculturation process that affects particularly their ethnic identity, perceived discrimination, and relationships with their peers, which would have significant impact on their mental health. The ethnic composition of social environments might affect this relationship. Objective: The main purpose of the current research is to examine the effect of peer attachment, social support, ethnic identity, and perceived discrimination on immigrant adolescents' mental health. Method: The sample included 226 Syrian immigrants (X¯ age = 13.31, SD=1.67, 70.8 % girls). Adolescents live in a homogenous social environment where proportion of Syrian is higher. Two hierarchical regression models were used to predict depression and emotional problems. In both models, the predictive roles of social and psychological factors were examined in separate steps. Results: The regression analysis results for depression emphasized peer attachment, social support, and ethnic identity did not affect the depression after controlling the effect of emotional problems. Similarly, regression analysis results for emotional problems showed that peer attachment, social support, and ethnic identity did not affect depression after controlling the effect of emotional problems. The results also revealed that perceived discrimination was a risk factor for both depression and emotional problems. Conclusions: The results underlined the importance of psychological variables on immigrant adolescents' depression. Past research emphasized that ethnic identity and peer support had a buffering effect on mental health. The current study participants were living in a different area where they attended schools for only immigrants. The social environment was totally different from the host culture. These reasons may account for why social support from ethnic peers and ethnic identity development did not emerge as a protective factor in the present study. The results will further be discussed in terms of the importance of interaction between ethnic and host culture.