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The Association of Acculturation and Well-Being: Second-Generation Immigrants in Switzerland

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  • Beate Schwarz

    (Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW))

  • Pirmin Pfammatter

    (Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW))

Abstract

In recent decades, there has been a rapid increase in immigration rates throughout Europe, and many immigrants remained permanently. As a result, a substantial part of society are second-generation immigrants. Despite an increase in research related to this population, predominantly from the US, it remains unknown, whether growing up and living in two cultures fosters immigrants’ subjective well-being. The present study investigated the association between acculturation (here heritage and mainstream culture orientation) and subjective well-being of second-generation immigrants in Switzerland. We further ran a multigroup analyses for women and men separately. Data of N = 492 adult children of immigrants (66% women; Mage = 32.39, SDage = 10.46) were analyzed. Structural equation modelling showed that both orientation toward heritage and toward mainstream culture were positively related to subjective well-being, and that this was moderated by gender. Furthermore, the interaction between both kinds of orientation had a significant effect on subjective well-being. The study addresses several gaps in the existing research literature in three key ways: (1) it adds a European perspective; (2) it focuses on understudied second-generation immigrants; (3) it measures acculturation bilinear and multidimensional, as is required theoretically. Moreover, the findings may contribute to a more nuanced public discourse, where the significance of both mainstream orientation and heritage culture is occasionally called into question.

Suggested Citation

  • Beate Schwarz & Pirmin Pfammatter, 2024. "The Association of Acculturation and Well-Being: Second-Generation Immigrants in Switzerland," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 25(6), pages 1-23, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:25:y:2024:i:6:d:10.1007_s10902-024-00794-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-024-00794-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Angela Paparusso, 2019. "Studying Immigrant Integration Through Self-Reported Life Satisfaction in the Country of Residence," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 14(2), pages 479-505, April.
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