The effects of ethnic identity and acculturation in mental health of immigrants: A literature review

Objectives: The purpose of this literature review was to highlight the studies on mental health in relation to acculturation and ethnic identity and to identify research gaps. The results can be used to help inform future immigrant mental health workers and policy makers as well as provide information about the implications of immigrant mental health. Methods: The literature search was conducted electronically, directed by a variety of key words. The search focused on five areas of immigrant mental health importance: (1) acculturation; (2) acculturation and mental health; (3) ethnic identity; (4) ethnic identity and mental health; and (5) acculturation, ethnic identity and mental health. A total of 171 articles were examined and 110 were included in the review. Results: The information is presented in the following categories: acculturation; acculturation and mental health; ethnic identity; ethnic identity and mental health; and acculturation, ethnic identity and mental health. Research gaps are also presented. Conclusion: Overall, literature shows that acculturation, ethnic identity and mental health are closely related to one another affecting both, individuals and communities. This literature review will help to better inform practitioners who may encounter immigrants experiencing mental health issues due to acculturation and ethnic identity pressure. This review may also help policy makers identify specific obstacles that are not addressed in immigration policies which can affect the implementation of these policies. In addition, the information presented can be used as an instrument for researchers in the field. Despite the limited amount of information about immigrant mental health challenges, much work remains to fully support the affected individuals and their families.

Economic Conditions in Countries of Origin and Trajectories in Distress after Migration to Canada

This paper re-examines the study of immigrant mental health by arguing that the level of economic development of origin country alters both initial mental health status and subsequent trajectories of distress over time. Using five waves of longitudinal survey data from the National Population Health Survey of adults living in three metropolitan cities in Canada ( N = 2,887), results show an increase in distress with time, but mainly among immigrants from lower gross national product (GNP) origin countries and only for the first 5 years postarrival, followed by a decline among all immigrants, irrespective of origin-country GNP. Increases in chronic stress exposure fully explain the initial increase in distress among immigrants from less developed countries of origin. Results call into question the generalizability of the “immigrant health paradox” to all immigrant groups and point to the importance of macro-level social and economic factors, and the matching of conditions at origin and destination, in the migration process.