| Abstract [eng] |
The various cultural and psychological changes occurring during migration are the result of constant contact with people of a different cultural origin. Such a phenomenon is called acculturation, and acculturation strategies – integration, assimilation, separation, and marginalization – is the main part of psychological acculturation (Berry & Sam, 2016). Migration changes affect the psychological health of migrants: they are more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety or depression and lower life satisfaction. Also, length of life in the new country, employment, financial situation and plans to stay in the new country are also related to the migrant's acculturation and psychological health. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the acculturation strategies, psychological health (psychological problems and life satisfaction) and life aspects of Ukrainian immigrants in Lithuania. 133 immigrants from Ukraine participated in the study, including 16 men and 117 women, the average age of which was 34.57 years. Acculturation Attitudes Scale (Berry, Kim, Power, Young & Bujaki, 1989) was used to determine acculturation strategies, Psychological Problems Scale (Berry, Phinney, Sam & Vedder, 2006) was used to assess symptoms of anxiety and depression, and Satisfaction With Life Scale (Diener, Emmons, Larsen & Griffin, 1985) was used to measure the level of life satisfaction. In order to find out about the life of Ukrainian immigrants in Lithuania, they were asked how long they had been living in Lithuania, what was the reason for their arrival, what was their employment, and whether they planned to stay in Lithuania. The results of the study showed that higher life satisfaction of Ukrainian immigrants is associated with greater acceptance of the integration strategy, fewer psychological problems, and a better assessment of the financial situation. Also, Ukrainians living in Lithuania for 1 – 2 years experience the most psychological problems, while those planning to stay in Lithuania rely mostly on the assimilation strategy. Currently, it would be important to ensure the continuity of psychological assistance to war refugees in Lithuania, and to promote the life satisfaction for all Ukrainian immigrants. |
