120 Jewish people who were forced to emigrate from Germany to Israel or Argentinia during the 'Third Reich' were interviewed. Interviews dealt with the psychic situation; additionally, scales were applied for measurement of morale, attitudes towards the present situation and the future, and perceived change ability of the situation. The group of emigrants was divided into two subgroups: Emigrants who stayed in foreign countries, and emigrants who returned to Germany in old age. The emigrants were compared with a control-group of German people who were not discriminated against and persecuted, and who were not forced to emigrate. Significant differences between the two groups were found: The emigrants showed a higher degree of perceived changeability and a more positive life-review. Perceived stress and activity in different intra- and extrafamilial roles were higher. Emigrants who had gone back to Germany showed a higher degree of perceived changeability and a lower degree of sorrow concerning personal future than emigrants who stayed in Israel or Argentinia. Perceived stress in extrafamilial roles was higher. Additionally, motives for going back to Germany and for staying in Israel or Argentinia were analyzed.

social roles coping with stress morale future time perspective subjective life-space Jewish emigrants

political system Germany immigrant Argentina Israel psychological aspect motivation human immigration aging war mental stress coping behavior Internal-External Control control Aged Adaptation, Psychological Political Systems ethnology male Personality Development Acculturation Aged, 80 and over ego development personality test Jew Personality Inventory adaptive behavior female Jews cultural factor Article Support, Non-U.S. Gov't migration normal human Emigration and Immigration English Abstract