Work

Migrant well-being in Australia: Does locus of control matter?

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Using rich longitudinal data from Australia, we investigate the mental health impacts and behaviours of migration resettlement in Australia, focusing on age, gender and locus of control as possible modifiers. We find that age profiles in mental health differ significantly between migrant and native populations. Our analysis of second-generation migrants supports the ‘healthy migrant paradox’, suggesting favourable mental health outcomes. Additionally, we show that immigrants with an internal locus of control exhibit a lower likelihood of mental health issues, which suggests that an internal locus of control amplifies the beneficial effects in the case of mental health outcomes for immigrant populations. • The paper examines migration’s mental health impacts, focusing on age, gender, and locus of control as possible modifiers. • Second-generation migrants show better mental health, supporting the ’healthy migrant paradox’. • Locus of control has a great potential to mitigate adverse mental health outcomes for immigrant populations.

Source: Economics & Human Biology

DOI: 10.1016/j.ehb.2024.101447

Authors: Anita Staneva, Andreas Chai

Institution: Griffith University

Language: English

Topic: Migration, Health and Trauma

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,830