Social and Family Factors Related to Intercountry Adoptees and Immigrants’ Bicultural Identity Integration

Abstract

Intercountry adoptees constitute a distinct acculturating group that differs from traditional immigrant groups. Yet, there is a lack of research examining the psychosocial processes related to the well-being of this group and how these differ from other immigrant groups. A study carried out in Italy based on a sample group of young immigrants (N = 168) and intercountry adoptees (N = 160) tests a model in which social (perceived discrimination) and family factors (parental autonomy support) predict psychological well-being. The model also examines whether these associations are mediated by Bicultural Identity Integration (BII), the degree to which the ethnic and national identities are experienced as blended and compatible. Results indicate that while discrimination undermines BII among immigrants, it does not among adoptees. Moreover, parental autonomy support improves BII for both immigrants and intercountry adoptees. The findings showed significant associations between BII and psychological well-being. The implications of these results are discussed with regard to possible interventions with immigrants and intercountry adoptees.

Perceived discrimination and psychological distress among immigrants to Canada: The mediating role of bicultural identity orientations

“…Moreover, no previous study has tested bicultural identity as an intermediary between discrimination and well-being, except for Ferrari et al (2019). Examining the associations between discrimination, bicultural identity, and depression among immigrants in Italy, Ferrari et al (2019) showed that discrimination predicted lower BII, which in turn predicted higher depression. However, they assessed bicultural identity as a singular construct (with BII blendedness and BII harmony combined), failing to account for the role of different orientations.…”

Female adopted Chinese-American youth’s sense of exclusion and short-and long-term adjustment.

“…Clinicians working with adopted Chinese youth may need to keep in check the myth that adoption inevitably creates more problems (Friedlander, 2003) and instead pay close attention to adoptees’ feelings toward adoption and their sense of not belonging to either the dominant group or the Chinese immigrant group. Furthermore, giving that bicultural socialization has been shown to be conductive to transracially adopted youth and minority youth adjustment (Ferrari et al, 2019; Nguyen & Benet-Martínez, 2013), promoting bicultural socialization in the adopted Chinese youth might help ameliorate some risks that they experience. In terms of clinical training, it has been proposed by Lee (2003) that race, ethnicity, and transracial adoption presented an “adoption paradox” for adoptees and their families.…”

Mapping the Contribution of Social Psychologists toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Bibliometric and Content Analysis of Spanish Publications

“…For example, dissatisfaction in the work environment generates emotional distress (depression, anxiety, stress) and even serious mental health problems [26], while leadership capability is associated with well-being in the work environment [27]. In social relations, the feeling of cultural integration is associated positively with well-being [28]. Some of the papers analysed also mention that personal well-being is associated with, among many other factors, volunteering [29] and a positive body self-image [30].…”