The Psychological Adjustment of the Chinese Community in Britain

Abstract

The psychological health and adjustment to life in Britain of a sample of first- and second-generation Chinese immigrants were measured. It was predicted that problems with the English language, inadequate social support, value differences, and unfulfilled expectations would induce more symptoms of psychological distress and depression in first-generation than in second-generation Chinese immigrants. Overall psychological hearth, and hence adjustment, was good. There was evidence for language problems and unfulfilled expectations, but not social support and value differences, being linked to mental health in the second generation. Evidence linking mental health to other personal variables was found in both generations.