Immigrant acculturation and wellbeing across generations and settlement contexts in Canada

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Psychology
• Public Policy

Background:

• Immigrant wellbeing is influenced by generation, settlement context, and acculturation strategies.
• Canada's multiculturalism and Quebec's interculturalism policies create distinct societal contexts for immigrants.
• Acculturation is measured by sense of belonging to Canada and the province of residence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine how differing settlement policies (multiculturalism vs. interculturalism) affect immigrant acculturation and wellbeing.
• To compare acculturation profiles and wellbeing across generations in Quebec and the rest of Canada.

Main Methods:

• Survey data collected from adult immigrants and subsequent generations in Quebec and the rest of Canada.
• Acculturation strategies assessed via sense of belonging (Canada and Province, Canada only, Province only, Neither).
• Wellbeing measured using Life Satisfaction and Mental Health scales.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in acculturation profiles between Quebec and the rest of Canada for immigrants.
• Later generations in Quebec show a lower 'Canada only' belonging profile and a higher 'province only' profile.
• Higher wellbeing observed in individuals with a strong sense of belonging to both Canada and Quebec.
• Mental health was significantly higher in Quebec across all generations compared to the rest of Canada.

Conclusions:

• Later generations in Quebec demonstrate a distinct acculturation pattern, favoring provincial over national identity, aligning with Quebec's interculturalism policy.
• Settlement policies significantly shape immigrant identity formation and belonging across generations.
• Quebec's environment may foster better mental health outcomes for immigrants and their descendants.