Ethnic identity, acculturation orientations and psychological well-being among adolescents of immigrant background in Kenya
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Date
2012
Authors
Mazrui, Lubna M.
Murugami, M.
Arasa, J.
Van de Vijver, F. J. R.
Abubakar, Amina
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Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship of ethnic identity and acculturation strategies with psychological well-being among adolescents with an immigrant background in Kenya. A total of 269 adolescents from five high schools were involved. The sample included adolescents from Asian, Arab, and Somali immigrant backgrounds alongside native-born. A wide set of measures including the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure, Measure of Acculturation Orientation, Social Demographic Questionnaire, General Health Questionnaire and the Brief Students Multi-Dimensional Life Satisfaction Scale were administered. Ethnic identity (particularly the subscale on sense of ethnic belonging) was positively correlated with life satisfaction and psychological well-being. Moreover, cultural orientation towards the country of origin was closely related to psychological well-being. In conclusion, ethnic identity was associated with better psychological well-being among Kenyan adolescents. Conceptual models developed in the West can be applied in the African context when both sociocultural and economic factors are taken into consideration.
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(DOI:10.1159/000331026)
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Citation
Garcia Coll C (ed): The Impact of Immigration on Children’s Development. Contrib Hum Dev. Basel, Karger, 2012, vol 24, pp 49–63