Jeitinho as a Coping Strategy Used by Brazilian International Students for Acculturative Stress

Abstract

This mixed-method study examined whether Brazilian students in the US use an indigenous problem-solving practice, jeitinho, as a coping strategy for acculturative stress. Forty-two participants answered an online survey, which was a culmination of demographic information, the Acculturative Stress Scale for International Students, BriefCOPE, jeitinho questionnaire, and three open-ended questions about how Americans may perceive jeitinho. Results showed that a negative dimension of jeitinho was associated with nonadaptive coping strategies, but it was not a significant predictor of acculturative stress. Qualitative themes highlighted the multidimensionality of jeitinho, which could help in students’ adjustment (positive) or reinforce stereotypes and prejudices (negative) against Brazilians. Findings elucidate the complexity of jeitinho Brazilian students can be mindful about and when to use it to avoid stereotyping.

Life satisfaction and problem-focused coping among future physical culture teachers

“…Other studies, including Go et al [15], Nishioka et al [16] and Quansah et al [30], have identified common challenges that extend beyond the scope of physical culture teachers and are prevalent among educators in various subject areas. Go et al [15] shed light on the significance of various coping strategies, including religion/mindfulness, social support from family members.…”

“…In student-related stressful situations, Go et al [15] identified religion/mindfulness, social support from family members, and self-blame as relevant emotional coping strategies. Similarly, Nishioka et al [16] found that nonadaptive coping strategies were associated with a negative dimension of jeitinho among Brazilian students, although it was not a significant predictor of acculturative stress. Additionally, Sagin [17] utilized a structural equation model and revealed a positive relationship between students' interest in physical education and their life satisfaction.…”

An Exploration of Within-Cultural Differences of a Culture-specific Syndrome: The Case of Brazilian jeitinho

“…Among culture-specific constructs, Brazilian jeitinho is particularly interesting for a variety of reasons. First, recent psychological studies have shown that the syndrome shows a more complex multi-dimensional structure, which can be linked to commonly studied psychological correlates such as values, personality, and ideology (Ferreira et al, 2012; Fischer et al, 2014; Miura et al, 2019; Nishioka and Akol, 2019; Resende and Porto, 2020). Second, previous sociological and ethnographic research has focused on the distinctiveness and salience of the construct within Brazil using observations and historical analyses (DaMatta, 1979), but psychological research has suggested that there is a disconnect between the normativeness of the construct at a symbolic level and the personal endorsement of individual behavioral facets (Ferreira et al, 2012; Fischer et al, 2014).…”

"Fast food psychology" or serious support: Brazilian migrant women talk about their experiences with digital tools for mental health in Aotearoa New Zealand

“…Therefore, I have reviewed the literature regarding Brazilian migrants in other English-speaking countries. Mixed-methods research studied Brazilian international students in the United States (Nishioka & Akol, 2019). This study asserts that Brazilian international students frequently perceive a high cultural distance between Brazil and the United States.…”

“…This study asserts that Brazilian international students frequently perceive a high cultural distance between Brazil and the United States. Brazilian international students reported feeling pressured to achieve good results and quickly adapt to their host country's culture, which could increase their levels of acculturative stress (Nishioka & Akol, 2019). Nevertheless, acculturative stress is not the only factor negatively impacting Brazilian migrants' mental health in the United States.…”