The experience of acculturative stress-related growth from immigrants' perspectives.
Previous literature has mainly focused on the positive effects of stress associated with disability and illness, called stress-related growth. Little research has explored positive changes as a result of acculturative stress among a group of immigrants. In particular, older Asian immigrants may experience a high level of stress related to acculturation because they may face more challenges to adapt to and navigate a new culture. This study was designed to capture the characteristics of stress-related growth associated with acculturative stress. Using in-depth interviews among 13 older Korean immigrants, three main themes associated with the stress-coping strategies were identified: (a) the development of mental toughness, (b) engagement in meaningful activities, and (c) promotion of cultural understanding. These themes indicate that by following the stressful acculturation process, participants developed a better understanding of the new culture, engaged in various leisure activities, and enhanced mental strength. This finding provides information on how immigrants deal with acculturative stress and have positive psychological changes, which results in a sense of happiness and psychological well-being.
Department of Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Services Administration, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA.
Junhyoung
J
Kim
Hakjun
H
Kim
D000069:Acculturation; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001213:Asian / Q000523:psychology*; D003469:Culture; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants / Q000523:psychology*; D036262:Empirical Research; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D036301:Qualitative Research; D063505:Racism; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000208:ethnology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology
Acculturative stress; meaningful activity; older Korean immigrants; stress-related growth