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The Acculturation Experiences of First-Wave Kosovan Women Migrants Living in the United Kingdom

An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

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Mental Health, Mental Illness and Migration

Part of the book series: Mental Health and Illness Worldwide ((MHIW))

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Abstract

Acculturation processes are a key part of settling down in the new country although there are huge variations in responses and the pace at which people acculturate. In this chapter we use the example of Kosovan women after migration to the UK to explore the experiences of acculturation and its perceived impact on their psychological well-being was conducted. Six participants were interviewed, and transcripts were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Four major themes emerged: decisions influencing migration, early phase of UK life, the process of acculturating and implications of the acculturation experience for oneself. The psychological impact of acculturation and migration process was ascertained through their understanding of acculturation and their relationships with Kosovo and the UK. Acculturation was experienced as both an accomplishment and as an emotional challenge in response to conflicts and tensions related to their sense of ethnic identity and belonging. Not surprisingly these participants employed a number of strategies to cope with their migration difficulties and positioned themselves positively towards new cultures, revealing an appreciation of the UK’s multiculturalism. Theoretical implications and relevance of the findings to the field of counselling psychology are described with suggestions for further exploration.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of East London, London, UK

    Yllka Krasniqi Morina

  2. School of Psychology, University of East London and Centre for Psychiatry, within the Wolfson Institute for Preventive Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK

    Rachel Tribe

Authors
  1. Yllka Krasniqi Morina
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  2. Rachel Tribe
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, Ibn Rushd University Psychiatric Centre, Casablanca, Morocco

    Driss Moussaoui

  2. Centre for Affective Disorders, IoPPN, Kings College, London, UK

    Dinesh Bhugra

  3. School of Psychology, University of East London and Centre for Psychiatry, within the Wolfson Institute for Preventive Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK

    Rachel Tribe

  4. Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy

    Antonio Ventriglio

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Morina, Y.K., Tribe, R. (2021). The Acculturation Experiences of First-Wave Kosovan Women Migrants Living in the United Kingdom. In: Moussaoui, D., Bhugra, D., Tribe, R., Ventriglio, A. (eds) Mental Health, Mental Illness and Migration. Mental Health and Illness Worldwide. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-2366-8_23

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