Coping With A New Society: The Unique Psychosocial Problems of Immigrant Youth

Abstract

When immigrant children and adolescents leave their country of origin to live in the United States, they leave behind a familiar language, culture, community, and social system. They also experience a variety of emotional and cognitive adjustments to the realities of life in the United States. Many of these conflicts and adjustments place immigrant children at increased risk for psychosocial problems, school failure, drug use, and other risk-taking behavior. Early identification of immigrant children at risk for these problems can help school personnel and health care providers plan culturally appropriate and effective interventions. This article discusses the potential psychosocial problems encountered by immigrant children in adjusting to a new home, school, and society, and offers suggestions for action.

Development and validation of the Acculturative Stress Scale for Chinese College Students in the United States (ASSCS).

“…In this study, criterion-related validity was examined by using the scale to predict students' depression and life satisfaction. Previous studies have demonstrated that people with higher levels of acculturative stress would have a higher probability of depression symptoms (Lin & Yi, 1997;James, 1997;SuarezMorales et al, 2007). Chinese students' depression was measured by Zung's Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS, 1965).…”

“…Such a wide cultural distance creates a lot of conflicts regarding values, behaviors and norms for Chinese students, especially when they interact with local people (James, 1997). Unfamiliar with the cultures and values in the U.S., Chinese students may not be clear about the expectations of certain behaviors and their roles.…”

“…A high level of acculturative stress increases the risk for developing mental health problems, particularly in the initial stage of acculturation (Zheng & Berry, 1991). Mental health problems commonly found among acculturating people include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and a high risk for suicide (Lin & Yi, 1997;James, 1997;SuarezMorales et al, 2007). Poor mental health is usually related to important life changes during acculturation, such as loss of one's previous social role or avocation, the need to rebuild one's social network, and separation from family supports (Organista, Organista, & Kurasaki, 2003).…”

“…Many predictors of acculturative stress have been identified, such as English language proficiency, age of arrival, generational status, length of stay, educational level, socio-economic status (SES), marital status, ethnic identity, and involuntary vs. voluntary immigration status (Constantine, Okazaki, & Utsey, 2004;Kuo & Roysircar, 2004). Other studies focus on the consequences of acculturative stress and investigate how acculturative stress influences individuals' mental health, adaptation, and well-being (Lin & Yi, 1997;James, 1997;Suarez-Morales, Dillon, & Szapocznik, 2007;Zheng & Berry, 1991). Social support is another important area of interest.…”

The Role of Psychosocial Resources in the Adjustment of Migrant Adolescents

“…Second, immigration itself is a stressful process, typically associated with grief, loss of family and friends, and cultural changes (Hicks et al, 1993;James, 1997), and these diverse demands may increase the vulnerability and emotional distress of migrant children (Pawliuk et al, 1996).…”