Validation of the brief scale for the evaluation of acculturation stress in migrant population (EBEA)

Abstract

Background Acculturation stress is associated with poorer physical and mental health and a lower level of psychological well-being. The causes of acculturation stress are diverse, but most are similar in the migrant population. Despite the importance of evaluating this variable, few studies have reported culturally adapted and validated instruments for specific populations. Based on this, the aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of a short scale for the evaluation of acculturation stress (EBEA). Methods Two studies were conducted, involving 1725 first-generation Colombian and Peruvian migrants living in Chile, between the ages of 18 and 60 years. In addition to the EBEA and as evidence of validity, the Beck Anxiety Scale and the WHOQOL-BREF psychological health domain were applied. A confirmatory factor analysis was carried out, and the reliability and nomological validity were evaluated. Results The results in both studies indicated that the scale presents a factorial structure of three dimensions: (a) the stress derived from the preparation and departure from the country of origin, (b) the stress produced by socioeconomic concerns in the host country, and (c) the tensions typical of adaptation to sociocultural changes or Chilean society. The reliability coefficients and the analysis of their nomological validity were very good. Conclusions The EBEA is a measure that offers quick, useful screening for researchers who need a short measure for research among migrants. This tool contributes to the work of education, prevention, and intervention in the field of general health and migrants’ mental health.

Discrimination and Health: The Mediating Effect of Acculturative Stress

“…We used a brief version of the acculturative stress scale developed by Ugalde-Watson et al [ 60 ] to evaluate the levels of stress experienced during the acculturation process. This scale consists of 14 items grouped into three dimensions: (a) the stress derived from the preparation and departure from the country of origin, (b) the stress produced by socioeconomic concerns in the host country, and (c) the tensions typical of adaptation to sociocultural changes or Chilean society [ 61 ].…”

Analysis of the Mental and Physical Health Symptomatology Scale in a Sample of Emerging and Migrant Adults in Chile

“…Scientific evidence has corroborated that this process presents various difficulties that extend from the pre-migration phase and the migration journey itself to the arrival and settlement in the host country [ 29 ]. Research has linked migration processes to symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, psychosomatic symptoms (e.g., headaches and stomach problems) and mental health disorders in general [ 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 ].…”

Acculturation Among Chinese Married Immigrant Women in South Korea: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis

“…In addition, various acculturation models have developed such as Berry’s (2001) model of acculturation and assimilation models (Brown & Bean, 2006). However, most research on acculturation has focused on acculturation-related stress including psychological disorders (Concha et al, 2013; Serafica et al, 2019; Urzúa et al, 2021). Therefore, an examination of the relationship between variables and testing of their path toward acculturation in a model that includes acculturative stress is needed.…”