Ethnic Identity, Immigration, and Well-Being: An Interactional Perspective

On the basis of existing theory and research regarding ethnic identity and immigration and our own empirical work in four immigrant‐receiving countries, we suggest an interactional model for understanding psychological outcomes for immigration. Specifically, the interrelationship of ethnic and natio...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of social issues 2001, Vol.57 (3), p.493-510
Main Authors: Phinney, Jean S., Horenczyk, Gabriel, Liebkind, Karmela, Vedder, Paul
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adjustment
Ethnic Identity
Immigration
Mental health
Minority & ethnic groups
National Identity
Social Perception
Social psychology
Well Being
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Summary:On the basis of existing theory and research regarding ethnic identity and immigration and our own empirical work in four immigrant‐receiving countries, we suggest an interactional model for understanding psychological outcomes for immigration. Specifically, the interrelationship of ethnic and national identity and their role in the psychological well‐being of immigrants can best be understood as an interaction between the attitudes and characteristics of immigrants and the responses of the receiving society. This interaction is moderated by the particular circumstances of the immigrant group. The strengths of ethnic and national identity vary depending on the support for ethnic maintenance and the pressure for assimilation. Most studies show that the combination of a strong ethnic identity and a strong national identity promotes the best adaptation.
ISSN:0022-4537
1540-4560
DOI:10.1111/0022-4537.00225