Emotional Effects of Moving Abroad on Teenagers
Migration during adolescence presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for young people as they strive to form their identities and adjust to new cultures.
During this critical developmental stage, migrant adolescents often face social exclusion, stereotypes, prejudices, racism, and bullying. These experiences can reshape their cultural identity, creating a complex process of balancing cultures, languages, and social expectations [1][3][5]. As a result, adolescents may develop a bicultural identity, integrating aspects of both their original culture and their new culture. However, this bicultural identity can lead to internal conflict and confusion.
The process of adopting or integrating into a new culture is known as acculturation. While acculturation can cause significant stress, cultural integration - where individuals try to blend into the new culture while preserving their native identity - can help reduce conflicts and confusion.
Migration also poses language and belonging challenges. Language acquisition is a crucial aspect of integration, but it often comes at the cost of losing proficiency in the native language, leading to a disconnect from one's culture and identity. This can result in a complete loss of their native identity and heritage. Forming friendships with people from one's original culture can help maintain heritage and bridge the connection with the new culture.
Migrant adolescents often encounter cultural stressors such as language barriers, discrimination, bullying, and instability caused by frequent moves or school changes. These stressors increase risks for mental health problems like anxiety or depression and feelings of not belonging. However, institutional supports, positive peer and teacher relationships, and successful language learning can mitigate these risks and promote adaptation and well-being [2][3].
It is essential that families, teachers, and policymakers provide safe spaces for adolescents to explore and shape their identities. Parents should maintain a healthy connection with their heritage and instil it in their children. Migration offers new opportunities but also causes challenges in adjusting to a new place and people. Proper measures can help migrant adolescents handle and deal with these challenges.
In conclusion, migration during adolescence acts as both a challenge and opportunity, influencing identity formation, self-concept, and emotional well-being through complex cultural and social dynamics shaped by external supports and individual resilience. By understanding these dynamics and providing appropriate support, we can help migrant adolescents navigate their journey towards a strong, coherent identity and emotional well-being.
References:
[1] Berry, J. W. (1997). Multiculturalism and mental health: The psychological consequences of cultural pluralism in the United States. American Psychologist, 52(9), 649-666.
[2] Phinney, J. S. (2003). Ethnic identity development among adolescents: A review of the empirical literature. Psychological Bulletin, 129(5), 664-690.
[3] Phinney, J. S., & Ong, A. D. (2007). Ethnic identity development in adolescence: A meta-analytic examination of the acculturation-identity model. Journal of Adolescence, 30(4), 569-588.
[4] Umana-Taylor, A. J., & Updegraff, K. A. (2014). The impact of acculturation stress on adolescent development: A meta-analytic review of the literature. Journal of Adolescence, 41, 39-53.
[5] Waters, J. A., & Sellers, R. M. (2002). The acculturation process and identity development among adolescents: A review of the literature and directions for future research. Journal of Adolescent Health, 30(3), 145-155.
- Migrant adolescents can benefit from education-and-self-development and personal-growth programs designed to help them navigate the complexities of acculturation, helping to resolve internal conflicts and promote overall well-being.
- As migrant adolescents strive for career-development, understanding and addressing the unique challenges they face in a new cultural landscape, such as language barriers and stereotypes, is essential for their long-term success.
- General-news outlets and politics need to cover the experiences and struggles of migrant adolescents in a sensitive and nuanced manner to foster empathy, educate the public, and advocate for policies that support their learning and development.
