The Process of Immigrant AdjustmentThe Role of Time in Determining Psychological AdjustmentTel-Hai Academic College, kobim{at}research.haifa.ac.il
University of Haifa This study examines the role played by length of residence in determining the psychological adjustment of 382 new immigrants from the former Soviet Union during their first 2 years in Israel. Psychological adjustment was evaluated using longitudinal ( n = 133) and cross-sectional (n = 382) designs. The findings partially support the U-curve 3-stage social adjustment model (Lysgaard, 1955). The first stage, occurring from the first days up to 5 months in the new country, is the deterioration stage. The second stage, occurring between 5 and 11 months, is the low well-being stage. The third stage, occurring after more than 11 months, is the recovery stage. Significant differences in psychological adjustment exist between the first and second stages.
Key Words: immigration length of residence psychological adjustment stressful situation adaptation
Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, Vol. 39, No. 6,
782-798 (2008) |
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