An integrative theoretical framework of acculturation and salutogenesis

Abstract

During the last two decades, the number of international migrants worldwide has constantly risen. In this context, crosscultural dimensions of psychological disorders receive increased attention, especially depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorders among the migrant population. In this paper we propose a theoretical framework for the understanding of migrant mental health. This framework combines elements from Berry ' s acculturation model and Antonovsky ' s salutogenic theory. The former illustrates the main factors that affect an individual ' s adaptation in a new cultural context. The term acculturative stress denotes unresolved problems resulting from intercultural contact that cannot be overcome easily by simply adjusting or assimilating. The latter specifi es the relationship between culturally associated stress and mental health more distinctive, introducing the concepts of generalized resistance resources and sense of coherence that determine mental health outcomes of migrants during acculturative stress periods. Specifi cally, we provide an integrative framework of acculturation and salutogenesis that helps to integrate inconsistent fi ndings in the migrant mental health literature. The current paper focuses on the effect of resource factors for positive mental health outcomes in the migrant population and summarises some implications for future research activities.

Pathways between acculturation and health behaviors among residents of low-income housing: The mediating role of social and contextual factors

“…In those that have, social-relational factors—including connectedness to others and social support—have emerged as pathways through which acculturation might affect mental or general health status (Jasinskaja-Lahti & Liebkind, 2007; Riedel et al, 2011; Yoon et al, 2012). In our study, social support and social ties did not mediate the relationship between acculturation and health behaviors.…”

“…Our study was guided by a conceptual model (Figure 1) based on an integrated acculturation theory (Riedel et al, 2011) and stress and coping theory (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984). These theories posit that the immigration experience is shaped by an array of health-enhancing or health-threatening resources and hazards, with social ties and support being important components of these resources.…”

Latino Immigrants, Acculturation, and Health: Promising New Directions in Research

“…Very recently, integrative frameworks and contextual approaches to acculturation, which consider multiple layers of influence, have emerged in the literature (24, 72, 99, 105). These contemporary frameworks offer promising directions to pursue.…”

Health-related quality of life in migrant preschool children

“…It is also possible that parental migrant status might influence children’s well-being. This may be mediated through differences in lifestyle behaviors of the children, the socioeconomic situation of the family, access to health care or cultural and language gaps [15]. However, we are not aware of any study investigating the impact of parental migration on HRQOL in children.…”