Lezama, Lucia (5/15) The impact of object relations and acculturative stress on the subjective well-being of Mexican immigrants (Lisa Wallner Samstag, Ph.D.; Joan Duncan, Ph.D.;Benjamin A. Saunders, Ph.D.)
Research suggests that immigrants experience stress related to acculturation (e.g., Hovey, 2000), however, little is known of the personality factors that impact subjective well-being of Mexican immigrants, the fastest growing minority in the New York City area. This two-phase study examined the relation between object relations and subjective well-being in this population. Phase I tested the psychometric properties of a Spanish version of the Bell Object Relations and Reality Testing Inventory (BORRTI-SV), translated for use in this study. Male and female participants ( N = 139) were recruited via email and data were collected online. The results of exploratory factor analysis yielded a four-factor structure, with two factors demonstrating good internal consistency: Egocéntrico-Dependiente (Egocentric-Dependent) and the Desconfianza (Mistrust) scale. Phase II of the study hypothesized that (a) immature object relations would predict lower levels of subjective well-being, (b), higher acculturative stress would negatively impact subjective well-being, and (c) high biculturalism and socioeconomic status would contribute to better subjective well-being. Both male and female participants ( N = 75) were recruited at three community-based social service programs. The results of hierarchical regression analyses suggested that individuals who experienced high levels of acculturative stress, were also less satisfied with their lives. This type of stress appeared to override other factors frequently associated with subjective well-being in this sample. Study results, limitations, and future directions are discussed.
