Journal of Health Psychology
Volume 24, Issue 5, 2019, Pages 650-660

Stress appraisal, information processing strategies, and somatic symptoms: A longitudinal study with immigrants (Article)

Szabo A.* , Ward C. , Fletcher G.J.O.
  • a Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, Massey University, New Zealand
  • b Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
  • c Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand

Abstract

The study investigated threat versus challenge appraisals of acculturative stressors and their impact on the changes in psychological symptoms. It also examined information processing styles (informational, normative, and diffuse-avoidant) as moderators of these relationships. A 6-month longitudinal study with two measuring points was conducted with a sample of immigrants. Threat appraisal was associated with more psychological symptoms, and challenge appraisal interacted with information processing styles to predict the changes in somatic symptoms. Analytical and exploratory informational styles enhanced the positive effects of challenge appraisal on psychological symptoms, whereas styles involving avoidance and normative orientation to one’s home country dampened these positive effects. © The Author(s) 2016.

Author Keywords

information processing styles threat appraisal Somatic symptoms Immigrant challenge appraisal

Index Keywords

immigrant stress longitudinal study Article human avoidance behavior
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85063294042&doi=10.1177%2f1359105316678306&partnerID=40&md5=eb7b76fa63e8c6990d166abf261d2c8a
DOI: 10.1177/1359105316678306
ISSN: 13591053
Original Language: English