International Journal of School and Educational Psychology
2019

Is there an immigrant paradox in Canadian elementary students’ behavioral and social adjustment? (Article)

Tardif-Grenier K.* , Olivier É. , Archambault I.
  • a Department of Psychology and Psychoeducation, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Saint-Jérôme, QC, Canada
  • b Departement of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Université catholique de Louvain, Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
  • c School of Psychoeducation, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada

Abstract

The population of Canadian schools is becoming increasingly diverse in ethnic origins. Despite the challenges they face, paradox immigrant theory suggests that immigrant students have a more favorable profile than their non-immigrant peers in terms of academic success. The aim of this longitudinal study which was conducted with 66 elementary school teachers (providing information regarding 626 students from five schools located in disadvantaged areas of Montreal (Quebec, Canada) is to (1) validate whether the immigrant paradox manifests itself among elementary school children, in terms of their behavioral and social adjustment in the classroom and their educational success; and (2) study the extent to which these outcomes are associated with their educational success, differentiating whether they are first-, second-, or third-generation. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) (obj. 1) and a path analysis (obj. 2) were performed. Results show that first- and second-generation students had similar levels of hyperactivity-inattention, peer relationship difficulties, and behavioral engagement, but were advantaged in these variables as compared to their non-immigrant peers. However, none of the individual paths was significantly different among the immigration statuses. Thus, risk factors for school difficulties may not depend on the generation status of the student. © 2019, © 2019 International School Psychology Association.

Author Keywords

Immigrant students Social adjustment academic achievement Elementary school classroom behavior Student engagement

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85068676828&doi=10.1080%2f21683603.2019.1631237&partnerID=40&md5=29036de2ee5ba40efd5655ff957781d0

DOI: 10.1080/21683603.2019.1631237
ISSN: 21683603
Original Language: English