title: The adaptation of non-western and Muslim immigrant adolescents in the Netherlands: An immigrant paradox?
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Mitch
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Van Geel
authors.affiliation: Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Vedder
mesh_terms: 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