The adaptation of non-western and Muslim immigrant adolescents in the Netherlands: An immigrant paradox?
This article addresses the possible existence of an immigrant paradox in a sample of immigrant adolescents attending vocational schools in the Netherlands. An immigrant paradox is the finding that first generation immigrants show a more positive pattern of adaptation than nationals despite poorer economic conditions. Second generation immigrants regress to the nationals in terms of adaptation. A sample of 152 first generation immigrant adolescents, 285 second generation immigrant adolescents and 406 national adolescents completed self-reports about socio-economic status, psychological problems, behavioral problems and self-esteem. The results supported the existence of an immigrant paradox in this sample. This indicates that further assimilation among immigrant adolescents does not necessarily lead to increased well being.
Van Geel
Mitch
M
Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands.
Vedder
Paul
P
Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands.
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000208:ethnology*; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007514:Islam / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D009426:Netherlands / Q000208:ethnology; D000066553:Problem Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D012649:Self Concept