European Journal of Social Psychology
Volume 45, Issue 4, 2015, Pages 496-514

The mixed blessings of migration: Life satisfaction and self-esteem over the course of migration (Article)

Lönnqvist J.-E.* , Leikas S. , Mähönen T.A. , Jasinskaja-Lahti I.
  • a Swedish School of Social Science, University of Helsinki, Finland
  • b Institute of Behavioural Science, University of Helsinki, Finland
  • c Department of Social Research, University of Helsinki, Finland
  • d Department of Social Research, University of Helsinki, Finland

Abstract

We investigated the psychological adaptation of Ingrian-Finnish migrants from Russia to Finland between 2008 and 2013. Pre-migration data (N=225) were collected at the Finnish language courses that were part of the immigration training program. The three post-migration follow-ups were conducted half a year (N=155), and 2 (N=133) and 3years (N=85) after migration. Well-being was assessed with measures of Life Satisfaction and Self-Esteem. Life Satisfaction increased from pre-migration to the first post-migration measurement point, after which it stabilized. Self-Esteem decreased throughout the study. Variables reflecting adjustment to the event of migration (e.g., acculturation stress, socio-cultural adaptation) were primarily associated with well-being at the first post-migration measurement point. More general determinants of well-being (e.g., social support and subjective economic situation) were more consistently associated with well-being throughout the study. The results suggest that migration can be beneficial to some but detrimental to other types of well-being. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Author Keywords

Self-esteem Migration Life satisfaction Well-being

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84937073499&doi=10.1002%2fejsp.2105&partnerID=40&md5=590750f0ac06b51f8d8ed7719ed37e6f

DOI: 10.1002/ejsp.2105
ISSN: 00462772
Cited by: 7
Original Language: English