International Migration
Volume 46, Issue 2, 2008, Pages 49-80

The health risk behaviours and social connectedness of adolescents in immigrant families: Evidence from Australia (Article)

Brandon P.*
  • a Demography and Sociology Program, Research School for Social Sciences, Australia National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia

Abstract

Using data from Australia, health behavior outcomes and the social connectedness of adolescents in immigrant families are contrasted with the outcomes of adolescents in non-immigrant families. Findings suggest that first and second generation adolescents are less likely to drink alcohol and lack social support than third generation adolescents, but more likely not to be physically active and not to have membership to a social club or group than third generation adolescents. Second generation adolescents are more likely to smoke than third generation adolescents. Findings suggest that immigrant adolescents appear protected from negative risks, yet at the same time, do not benefit from Australia's cultural traditions for physical activity and social participation. Across generations, however, social participation and physical activity increase. Lastly, as length of time in Australia increases, the protective effect of the immigrant family against some negative risks wanes. Overall, the assimilation process leads adolescents in immigrant families to adopt Australia's prevailing social customs of health and social behaviors. © 2008 The Author Journal Compilation © 2008 IOM.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

Acculturation health geography adolescence Australia Australasia health risk cultural influence immigrant population

Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-43149091433&doi=10.1111%2fj.1468-2435.2008.00444.x&partnerID=40&md5=709cc9a5cca534613d1b29f3c3dcb971

DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-2435.2008.00444.x
ISSN: 00207985
Cited by: 9
Original Language: English