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The Determinants of Well-Being Among Polish Economic Immigrants. Testing the Sustainable Happiness Model in Migrant Population

Author

Listed:
  • Anna Bak-Klimek

    (Edinburgh Napier University
    Edinburgh Napier University)

  • Thanos Karatzias

    (Edinburgh Napier University)

  • Lawrie Elliott

    (Glasgow Caledonian University)

  • Rory MacLean

    (Edinburgh Napier University)

Abstract

Economic migration has increased dramatically over the past decades, yet, still little is known about the well-being of economic migrants. Most studies focus on the poor mental health of migrants. The few studies that examine well-being do not include a comprehensive range of predictors. They focus mostly on socio-economic factors and a limited number of cognitive-behavioural factors. Furthermore, most research is not theoretically based. The present study aims to (1) examine a comprehensive range of determinants of well-being (i.e. circumstantial, cognitive-behavioural and personality) among economic migrants; (2) establish the extent to which the findings are supported by an integrative theory of well-being—the Sustainable Happiness Model (SHM). A total of 188 Polish immigrants living in Scotland took part in the study. Participants completed a survey on well-being and potential predictors: circumstantial factors (e.g. socio-demographics), cognitive-behavioural factors (e.g. coping strategies) and personality. The data were analysed by descriptive statistics, multiple and hierarchical regression. The results indicated that cognitive-behavioural factors account for most variance in well-being and personality explains the least variance. This contradicts the SHM which posits that well-being is mostly accounted for by the set-point. It was argued that the SHM, largely based on studies conducted on non-migrant populations in developed countries, may not be applicable in its current form to economic migrant populations or non-western cultures. A modified model is proposed to explain well-being of migrant populations and non-western, more collectivistic societies. The study highlights the importance of addressing migrants’ adverse circumstances to help maintain well-being.

Suggested Citation

  • Anna Bak-Klimek & Thanos Karatzias & Lawrie Elliott & Rory MacLean, 2018. "The Determinants of Well-Being Among Polish Economic Immigrants. Testing the Sustainable Happiness Model in Migrant Population," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 19(6), pages 1565-1588, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:19:y:2018:i:6:d:10.1007_s10902-017-9877-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-017-9877-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kennon Sheldon & Sonja Lyubomirsky, 2006. "Achieving Sustainable Gains in Happiness: Change Your Actions, not Your Circumstances," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 7(1), pages 55-86, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ina Teresa Wilczewska, 2023. "Examining the Relationship Between Acculturation and Socioeconomic Status and Their Role for the First Generation Polish Immigrants’ Well-Being," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 24(3), pages 1337-1355, September.
    2. Anna Bak-Klimek & Thanos Karatzias & Lawrie Elliott & Adele Dickson & Rory MacLean, 2020. "Positive Changes and Appreciation of Life Among Economic Immigrants in Scotland," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 21(1), pages 57-76, March.

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