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Predictors of Flourishing and Psychological Distress Among Migrants to Australia: A Dual Continuum Approach

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  • Daniel R. du Plooy

    (La Trobe University)

  • Anthony Lyons

    (La Trobe University)

  • Emiko S. Kashima

    (La Trobe University)

Abstract

The happiness or flourishing of migrants in their new country has important implications for health and social costs. Most migrant well-being studies only focus on psychological distress. Here, we specifically examine demographic, social, and psychological factors related to a broader spectrum of well-being, not only distress but also flourishing. A national online survey was conducted involving 1446 migrants to Australia. Drawing on the Dual Continuum Model, we examined flourishing and distress as separate outcomes. Numerous factors were associated with both outcomes, including experiences of racism or discrimination, being satisfied with new friendships and wishing to go back to one’s home country. However, some factors varied by outcome, including younger age linked to distress but not to flourishing. Also, identifying with being Australian and the source of income were some factors specifically linked to a greater likelihood of flourishing. Promoting flourishing appears to depend on a range of different factors than simply preventing distress. These findings provide a greater understanding of the unique challenges that migrants can face in mental health outcomes, and can help prevent distress and promote flourishing and happiness as goals in migrant well-being.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniel R. du Plooy & Anthony Lyons & Emiko S. Kashima, 2019. "Predictors of Flourishing and Psychological Distress Among Migrants to Australia: A Dual Continuum Approach," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 20(2), pages 561-578, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:20:y:2019:i:2:d:10.1007_s10902-018-9961-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-018-9961-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Giovanis, Eleftherios & Akdede, Sacit Hadi & Ozdamar, Oznur, 2024. "Socio-Cultural Influences on Subjective Well-Being: Evidence from Syrian Migrants in Turkey," MPRA Paper 120906, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    2. Laura Upenieks & Matthew A. Andersson & Markus H. Schafer, 2021. "God, Father, Mother, Gender: How Are Religiosity and Parental Bonds During Childhood Linked to Midlife Flourishing?," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 22(7), pages 3199-3220, October.
    3. Lillian Mwanri & Nelsensius Klau Fauk & Anna Ziersch & Hailay Abrha Gesesew & Gregorius Abanit Asa & Paul Russell Ward, 2022. "Post-Migration Stressors and Mental Health for African Migrants in South Australia: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-15, June.
    4. Tassia K. Oswald & Alice R. Rumbold & Sophie G. E. Kedzior & Mark Kohler & Vivienne M. Moore, 2021. "Mental Health of Young Australians during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Exploring the Roles of Employment Precarity, Screen Time, and Contact with Nature," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-22, May.
    5. Liu, Yinbo & Ni, Xiaoli & Niu, Gengfeng, 2020. "The influence of active social networking services use and social capital on flourishing in Chinese adolescents," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 119(C).

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