Abstract

UGALDE-WATSON, KARLA; SMITH-CASTRO, VANESSA; MORENO-SALAS, MARJORLE  and  RODRIGUEZ-GARCIA, JOSE MIGUEL. Structure, correlates and predictors of acculturation stress: A case study with colombian refugees in Costa Rica. Univ. Psychol. [online]. 2011, vol.10, n.3, pp.759-780. ISSN 1657-9267.

One hundred colombian refugees completed a questionnaire measuring the level of stress they have experienced during the process of adaptation to the Costa Rican society; the social networks they have built in Costa Rica; the frequency with which they have been discriminated against; and their mental health. Data show four dimensions for acculturative stress: the stress produced by the arrangements to leave Colombia; the stress derived from their status as refugees; the stress derived from their socioeconomic needs; and the stress resulting from coping with the demands of the social and cultural adaptation to the host society. Participants reported significant higher levels of stress when planning the emigration from Colombia. Perceived discrimination and years of residence in Costa Rica were the principal predictors of acculturative stress in Costa Rica, above and below of the effect of other potential predictors, as social networks and mental health.

Keywords : Colombian refugees; acculturative stress; perceived discrimination; mental health; social support networks; Stress; self-report; psychology; immigration.

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