As the number of people migrating has risen, there has been a growing emphasis on how successfully they’re able to integrate into their new communities. Logic dictates that doing so well not only eases their transition but also helps their mental health. Such integration might include things like learning the language, participating in community activities, or developing relationships with locals.
Research from Turkey’s Izmir Bakircay University examined whether this is actually the case or not. They began by looking at how integrated first and second-generation migrants were with natives, and the impact this had on their wellbeing. The study was based on data from the Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe from 2004 to 2017 and covered 29 countries in total.
Integrating
The data shows that first-generation immigrants were less likely to participate in the kind of activities that might result in greater integration. Interestingly, however, when migrants did engage in such socio-cultural activities, they were more likely to do so than even natives.
In addition, the team found that even though immigrants tended to report lower levels of subjective wellbeing, this is in fact greatly enhanced through socio-cultural integration.
The data seems to suggest that proactive immigrants clearly appreciate the value of socio-cultural integration, and are therefore more motivated to engage in such activities in order to greater their connection with the new community.
It is worth adding that while socio-cultural integration does seem to have a positive impact on well-being, it is not likely to be the sole factor that can affect the well-being of immigrants. Economic status and opportunities as well as access to health care and education will also affect well-being. There is also the question of discrimination to be taken into account with regard to socio-cultural integration and how this affects an individual’s overall well-being. Indeed, there is evidence from other sources that discrimination might push those who might benefit away from activities that lead to greater integration.
