scholarly journals Relationships between Cultural Adaptation and Immigrants’ Well-Being

Psico-USF ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 467-481
Author(s):  
Érica Henke Garcia Martinet ◽  
Bruno Figueiredo Damásio

Abstract The present study aimed to evaluate the predictive relationship of socio-demographic variables, cultural adaptation and hope on general well-being (GWB), subjective (SWB), social (SoWB) and psychological (PWB) and in the meaning of life. The participants consisted of 108 immigrants. The instruments used were: bio sociodemographic questionnaire, Mental Health Continuum - Short Form, Dispositional Hope Scale, Acculturation Measures and Meaning of Life Questionnaire. In general, only sociocultural adaptation showed a positive predictive relationship with all types of well-being studied, nonetheless this measure presented a negative predictive relationship regarding the presence of meaning in life. Psychological adaptation was predictively and positively related only to SWB. The perception of cultural distance negatively affected SoWB. The presence of meaning was also negatively predicted by the type of immigration and age. The search for meaning was negatively predicted only by income. The results are important for a better understanding of factors that influence the experience of immigrants in Brazil.

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 112-112
Author(s):  
Zvi Gellis ◽  
Kim McClive-Reed ◽  
Bonnie Kenaley ◽  
Eunhae Kim

Abstract Meaning in life for older persons has become a focal research point, with findings that a greater sense of meaning is associated with better outcomes on a range of health and well-being factors. Our study examined relationships between scores on several personality scales, including the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (Steger et al., 2009) and the WHO-5 Well-Being Index, a proxy measure of mood/depression. Community-dwelling members (N=535) of Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes aged 50 and up (mean age 71.4, SD = 6.93) at 3 U.S. sites completed surveys. Higher wellness levels were significantly correlated with increased resilience, optimism, life satisfaction, and presence of meaning in life, while lower levels were associated with greater searching for meaning in life. A multivariate linear regression model (F = 55.597, df = 4, p = .000, R = .566, R2 = .320) showed that wellness scores increased with higher scores in optimism (ß = .348, p =.000), resilience (ß = .183, p = .000), and presence of meaning in life (ß = .106, p = .019). However, searching for meaning in life significantly predicted decreases in wellness scores (ß = -.084, p=.019). These results support those of previous studies, suggesting that for older persons, an ongoing search for meaning in life is linked to negative outcomes than a perception of existing meaning in life. A variety of available interventions aimed at increasing meaning and purpose in life (Guerrero-Torelles et al., 2017) may contribute to better health and well-being in older adults.


Author(s):  
Kui Ming Tiong ◽  
Ming Yu Cheng

Objective - In the fast changing globalizing and liberalizing world, the concern is not only on the location-specific advantages of a host country but also on how multinational enterprises manage to survive ex-post entry in a different environment. The cultural distance between the home and host countries thus plays an important role in this context. Empirical studies have shown that cultural distance and cross-cultural adaptation are interrelated, and there is a moderating role played by cultural distance on the cross-cultural adaptation. The cross-cultural adaptation is thus an important dimension to be considered in order to extend the L-advantages. Many studies have been conducted to build a cultural distance scale. Yet only a few studies have been conducted to construct a cross-cultural adaptation scale. This study thus aims to build a cross-cultural adaptation index. Methodology/Technique - The index is built based on the data collected from Chinese expatriates through in-depth interviews and questionnaire surveys. Findings - Two simple cross-cultural adaptation scales were built. These are the Simple Sociocultural Adaptation Scale (SSAS) and Psychological Adaptation Scale (SPAS) with seven pillars. An average index score was computed for each pillar. Living (78.79), interaction (69.19), regulative (64.02), work (85.61), psychological well-being (68.33), satisfaction (63.64), and intention to stay (62.12). The sociocultural adaptation index scored 76.57, while the psychological adaptation index scored 65.91. Novelty - This study provides insights for better understanding of Malaysian cultural environment to investors, expatriates, and policymakers as well as to extend and enrich the OLI paradigm. Type of Paper: Empirical Keywords: Extended location-specific advantages; Cross-cultural adaptation index; Sociocultural adaptation; Psychological adaption; OLI paradigm. JEL Classification: F21, G14, Z13.


2022 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jung In Lim ◽  
Jason Yu ◽  
Young Woo Sohn

Many studies demonstrate that finding meaning in life reduces stress and promotes physical and psychological well-being. However, extant literature focuses on meaning in life among the general population (e.g., college students or office workers) in their daily lives. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the mechanisms of how individuals living in life-threatening and stressful situations obtain meaning in life, by investigating the mediating roles of leisure crafting and gratitude. A total of 465 Army soldiers from the Republic of Korea (ROK) participated in two-wave surveys with a 2-week interval. Structural equation modeling analyses indicated that the direct effects between the search for meaning, presence of meaning, leisure crafting, and gratitude were significant, except for the direct relationship between the search for meaning and the presence of meaning, and between leisure crafting and the presence of meaning. We tested indirect effects using a Monte Carlo approach and found that leisure crafting and gratitude sequentially mediated the relationship between the search for meaning and the presence of meaning. Our findings highlight the importance of the motivation behind searching for meaning, the proactive use of leisure time, and gratitude for individuals in stressful situations and controlled lifestyles. Finally, we discuss the implications and limitations of this research and future research directions.


Author(s):  
Guna Svence

<p><em>There are two different researches has been explain in this article. There is common idea of those two researches (Svence, Mihailova, Bebre, 2014)- does age as correlate statistical significant differ scores of mindfulness, wisdom and coherence.</em></p><p><em>The aim of the first research (Svence, Mihailova, 2014) is to make theoretical and practical analysis of correllations between sense of coherence, mindfulness and wellbeing among 25-45 year old women, as also make qualitative analysis in order to explore one of the sense of coherence categories – meaningfulness. Reserach has shown that there exists positive correlation between wellbeing and sense of coherence and between wellbeing and mindfulness, as aslo it has been shown that higher scores of sense of meaning in life is related to higher scores of wellbeing, yet there are nearly no research where the correlations between mindfulness and sense of coherece and/or meaningfulness would be explored. Yet there are enough research where the realaton of these concepts with other concepts such as self-efficacy, anxiety, stressreactivity is confirmed. Considering the above mentioned it is valuable to explore relations between sense of coherence, mindfulness and wellbeing. </em></p><p><em>Principal question of the research was to investigate if there is an association between sense of coherence, mindfulness and wellbeing, as also to make qualitative and quantitative analysis and acquire the broader understanding of this association. There were 36 participants in the research who were asked to fill three questionnaires via internet and to particiapate in the interview. Quantative methods were used in the research (Fife Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, Orientation to Life Questionnaire to measure sense of coherence, Scales of Psychological Well-Being), as well as statistical methods (Pearson correlation) and qualitative method (content analysis of narratives). </em></p><p><em>Quantitative analysis confirmed the question of the research, since there were significant positive correlations discovered between all three concepts – sense of coherence, mindfulness and wellbeing. Content analysis of narratives was made and several typical content units were discovered whish are related to age appropriate meaningful life tasks, and to the processes of sense of coherence. Therefore the associatio between meaningfulness and other sense of coherence components was confirmed. </em></p><p><em>There is other research (Svence, Bebre,2014) about wisdom and meaningfulness scores- how they  correlates and differes in different age subgroups in adulthood.</em></p><p><em>There are some results show- scores of wisdom and meaningfulness are not significant differ in different age groups- early adulthood (20-35), middle age (40-55)  mathematical statistical significant, but differences has been finded about wisdom in early adulthood and middle age – according scores – wisdom is more higher in middle age as in early adulthood.</em></p><p> </p>


Author(s):  
Florin Marius Voicu

Austrian psychiatrist Viktor Frankl is among the first researchers of the meaning of life. His studies demonstrate the importance of living a meaningful life (Frankl, 1963). Meaning in life has become an important psychological concept in the research of emotional balance throughout life and decisive for the feeling of a fulfilled life in old age. Michael F. Steger's research shows that people who have a meaning in life, sense, and purpose generally feel happier and more satisfied daily, less depressed, anxious, and less likely to engage in risky behaviors. The six-factor model of psychological well-being is a theory developed by Carol Ryff (Carol Ryff, 1989). The meaning of life is studied according to age, age dynamics. The stages of development highlighted by Erik Erikson attach special importance to the meaning given to life lived in the developmental stage suggestively called "Integrity vs. Despair". Theories on aging highlight the terms "salutogenesis” and “pathogenesis”(Antonovsky, 1979) that imply different perspectives on life. Theories agree that meaning in life is an important concept in the ontogenesis of the human personality, necessary for the general well-being of the individual (Carol Ryff) being reflected in the state of physical health and the present emotional disposition (status). What is important, as a conclusion, is that all psychological factors are involved in the meaning of this life. To the extent that man has a meaning, his entire psychic structure participates in its realization. The current study highlights the changes that occur in the personality of the individual in old age and the psychological mechanisms with an adaptive role in this regard.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 110-126
Author(s):  
David Stefan ◽  
Erin Lefdahl-Davis ◽  
Alexandra Alayan ◽  
Matthew Decker ◽  
Josie Wittwer ◽  
...  

In this mixed-methods research, we examined the practice of writing and delivering letters of gratitude (gratitude visits) and its impact on well-being, happiness, meaning and relationships for students in an online graduate program in psychology. Participants completed assessments and inventories relating to happiness, well-being and meaning in life, including the Satisfaction with Life Scale, Meaning in Life Questionnaire, Approaches to Happiness Questionnaire and open-ended qualitative questions before and after they wrote and delivered gratitude letters. Quantitative analyses found significant increases in meaning in life, satisfaction with life, and approaches to happiness after the gratitude visit intervention. Using a grounded theory qualitative analysis of the data, eight primary themes emerged related to the impact and meaning of gratitude letters on graduate students:  (1) the impact on the relationship; (2) positive emotions experienced; (3) experiencing a reciprocal expression of gratitude from the receiver; (4) overcoming uncomfortable emotions; (5) relief, release or liberation after sharing; (6) impact on spiritual growth; (7) unexpected responses; and (8) greater reflection on the meaning of life and a changed perspective. Overall, providing graduate students with the opportunity to engage in gratitude visit interventions was related to greater meaning and well-being. This study suggests implications and recommendations related to the use of positive psychology interventions in educational settings.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 97-109
Author(s):  
Maria Platsidou ◽  
Athena Daniilidou

Meaning in life is a significant resource in the resilience process, supporting the use of adaptive behaviors and enhancing the feeling of wellbeing. As such, it could be critical for teachers who encounter many stressors threatening their life quality and work productivity. This study aimed to investigate how teachers' levels of meaning in life relate to their resilience. Data were collected from 299 teachers using the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (assessing presence of and search for meaning) and the Multidimensional Teacher Resilience Scale (assessing protective factors related to motivational and professional, social, and emotional resilience). As predicted, presence of meaning had medium-sized positive correlations with the resilience factors, whereas search for meaning had low correlations with social resilience and professional-motivational resilience and no correlation with emotional resilience. Using K-means cluster analysis, teachers were grouped into three clusters according to their scores in the two meaning dimensions. The cluster of teachers reporting both high presence of and high search for meaning showed the highest scores on the resilience factors, followed by the cluster including teachers with high presence and low search. In conclusion, our results emphasized the important role of presence of meaning in strengthening resilient responses; also, searching for meaning, when combined with a high sense of meaning, relates to better use of the resilience protective factors and resources. As to the study implications, a meaning-centered approach to building resilience in teachers is suggested and discussed.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elvira Estorninos ◽  
Rachel Lawenko ◽  
Katherine Buluran ◽  
Yipu Chen ◽  
Jowena Lebumfacil ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Health-related quality of life (QoL) is an important component of overall wellbeing. The study aimed to describe the parent-perceived infant quality of life of exclusively breastfed infants along with their mother's physical and mental health in a Filipino cohort. Methods Healthy term infants, who were exclusively breastfed since birth and whose mothers had decided to exclusively breastfeed until 6 months (m) of age, were enrolled at 21–26 days of age from a single center in the Philippines. Parents completed the Infant Toddler Quality of Life Questionnaire (ITQoL) and the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36v2) (assessing maternal QoL) at enrollment and when infants were 2.5 m, 4 m, and 6 m of age. Infants’ anthropometrics were measured and parents completed gastrointestinal (GI) diaries and Infant Gastrointestinal Symptoms Questionnaire (IGSQ) throughout the study. Results Among 75 enrolled infants, 70 completed the study at age 6 m. Infant QoL mean scores were high throughout the study (range 0–100 for each concept; Table 1). Nonetheless, noticeable improvements were observed between enrollment and 2.5 m, especially in the infant-focused concept of Temperament and Moods as well as in all three parent-focused concepts (Emotional, Time, and Family Cohesion) which measure impact of child's health on parents. Between 2.5 and 6 m, the scores remained relatively stable. For maternal QoL mean scores (scores standardized to Mean = 50, SD = 10 for each scale; Table 1), noticeable improvements were observed between enrollment and 2.5 m, with Physical Health showing more pronounced improvements. The Role-Emotional scale, which measures role limitations due to emotional problems, showed the lowest scores. From enrollment to age 6 m, mean z-scores for weight-for-age, length-for-age and head circumference-for-age stably tracked WHO Growth Standards. Additionally, infant stool consistency became more formed, and incidences of spitting up/vomiting and flatulence decreased. The overall GI burden also decreased (IGSQ index score: range 13–65; 15.8 ± 3.2 at enrollment and 14.0 ± 1.2 at 6 m). Conclusions In a cohort of exclusively breastfed Filipino mother-infant dyads, parent-perceived infant health-related quality of life was high and comparable to that reported in literature1. Maternal quality of life, particularly their perceived state of emotional well-being, warrants further investigation. Funding Sources Nestec Ltd. Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs


2020 ◽  
pp. 003022282096123
Author(s):  
Ying Ge ◽  
Jie Luo ◽  
Jay L. Wenger ◽  
Hai-yan Xiang

The purpose of this study was to evaluate how a person’s view of life and death might influence various aspects of well-being. Similar studies have been conducted with adolescents in different cultures, but not with Chinese Tujia ethnic adolescents. Tujia adolescents ( N = 309) completed the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ), the Death Attitude Profile (DAP), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and the Happiness Inventory (HI). Results indicated that Chinese Tujia ethnic adolescents maintain a relatively positive life-and-death view and overall well-being. Meaning in life and death attitude both corresponded with overall well-being. A dominance analysis indicated that meaning in life can predict the well-being of a person better than a death attitude. Limitations and future directions are discussed.


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