Evaluating the integration hypothesis: A meta-analysis of the ICSEY project data using two new methods

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Migration Studies

Background:

• The Integration Hypothesis posits that migrants engaging with both their heritage culture and the host society experience superior adaptation.
• Previous analyses of the ICSEY project data supported this hypothesis using cluster and dimensional scores.

Approach:

• This study meta-analytically re-evaluated the Integration Hypothesis using two novel methods: Cultural Involvement and Cultural Preference, and Euclidean Distance.
• The analysis focused on psychological and socio-cultural adaptation outcomes.

Key Points:

• Both novel methods provided empirical support for the Integration Hypothesis.
• The integration strategy was associated with better psychological and socio-cultural adaptation compared to assimilation, separation, or marginalization.
• The hypothesis was more strongly supported by positive indicators of adaptation.

Conclusions:

• The findings reinforce the validity of the Integration Hypothesis in understanding migrant acculturation.
• The study highlights the utility of Cultural Involvement, Cultural Preference, and Euclidean Distance in acculturation research.
• Implications for both theory and practice in migrant integration are discussed.