Qualitative Health Research
Volume 24, Issue 8, 2014, Pages 1138-1149

The exploration of acculturation and health among immigrants from non-Eastern cultures (Article)

Kim J. , Heo J. , Park S.-H.*
  • a Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, United States
  • b Texas A and M University, College Station, TX, United States
  • c Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Department of Sports Sciences, 232 Gongneung-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 139-743, South Korea

Abstract

Literature on acculturation has been mainly focused on how acculturation influences the perception of health and well-being among immigrants from non-Western cultures. Conversely, we sought to explore immigration experiences associated with health and well-being among immigrants from non-Eastern cultures during their acculturation process. With a sample of 9 participants, we identified two major themes as outcomes of acculturation: psychological wellbeing and social benefits. We found that during acculturation, Western immigrants improved their sense of happiness, experienced reduced stress, and discovered meaning through activities, and that overall, acculturation facilitated personal growth. In addition, they developed a sense of cross-group friendships with Korean people and facilitated group cohesion within their own ethnic group. Further implications and future research avenues are discussed. © The Author(s) 2014.

Author Keywords

Health and well-being Ethnicity Coping and adaptation Culture / cultural competence Immigrants / migrants

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84905270692&doi=10.1177%2f1049732314543195&partnerID=40&md5=6c283ca16d1c65cf5b85929c6cf35560
DOI: 10.1177/1049732314543195
ISSN: 10497323
Cited by: 5
Original Language: English