Journal of Youth and Adolescence
Volume 37, Issue 5, 2008, Pages 592-604

Perceived discrimination and the well-being of immigrant adolescents (Article)

Mesch G.S. , Turjeman H. , Fishman G.
  • a Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Center for the Study of Society, University of Haifa, Har Hacarmel 31905, Israel
  • b Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Center for the Study of Society, University of Haifa, Har Hacarmel 31905, Israel
  • c Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Center for the Study of Society, University of Haifa, Har Hacarmel 31905, Israel

Abstract

This study draws on the social-discount and social-rejection hypotheses to examine the effect of perceived discrimination on immigrant youths' depressive moods, self-efficacy, and preferences for in-group socialization experiences. Data from a panel study of immigrant young adolescents (aged 12-18) who came to Israel from countries of the former Soviet Union during the preceding 6 years was used (n = 732). The average age of participants was 15.5 years; and 50% were boys. Partial support emerged for the social-rejection hypothesis: perceived discrimination increases depressive moods and reduces self-esteem. Yet increased perceived discrimination did not increase the preference for in-group socialization. Perceived discrimination seems to be detrimental to individuals' psychological well-being but apparently does not hinder social integration. © 2007 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.

Author Keywords

discrimination immigrants Well-being Acculturation

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-41449092385&doi=10.1007%2fs10964-007-9210-6&partnerID=40&md5=5a7ed872c44463b76f4946e15ffea802
DOI: 10.1007/s10964-007-9210-6
ISSN: 00472891
Cited by: 43
Original Language: English