Expanding Our Understanding of Post-Migration Cultural Adjustment: Research-Informed Adaptation Strategies and Therapeutic Approaches
Expanding Our Understanding of Post-Migration Cultural Adjustment: Research-Informed Adaptation Strategies and Therapeutic Approaches
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Issue Date
2024-06-30
Authors
Suprun, Inna
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Abstract
This research paper addresses the complexities of the cultural adaptation process for newcomers to Western countries through a critical examination of the three clusters of acculturation models. A review of the unidimensional assimilation model points to its increasing inadequacy in understanding the acculturation of newcomers from diverse backgrounds. John Berry's bidimensional acculturation model, particularly the integration strategy (or successful navigation of two cultures), has been shown to benefit individual well-being, psychological health, and cultural adaptation. However, criticism of Berry's model points to its failure to account for social, contextual, individual, and cultural variants that deeply affect integration. This leads to the theoretical inclusion of multidimensional perspectives that consider factors such as social reception context, discrimination, multicultural personality traits, goal setting and motivation, cultural distance, and the role of social networks. The paper also discusses variations of domain- specific integration, an approach that allows for newcomers to navigate across different spheres of life (public, social, personal) according to situational demands and personal benefits rather than acculturating strategies. Utilizing theoretical and empirical research, this paper offers a deeper understanding of the acculturation experience and provides practical guidelines and recommendations for culturally sensitive, multidimensional therapeutic approach. The significance of this research is underscored by future trends indicating an upward trajectory in global Western migration and immigration to Canada. Particularly as Canadian projections indicate that it aims to grow its population, stimulate economic growth, and fulfill humanitarian commitments with foreign migration, making the subject of acculturation increasingly relevant.
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Keywords
cultural adaptation , acculturation , bidimensional acculturation model , integration strategy , multidimensional acculturation perspectives , multicultural personality traits , cultural distance , domain-specific integration , unidimensional model , social reception context
License
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States , openAccess