Sociocultural and Psychological Adjustment in the Returned Migrant Population
Sociocultural and Psychological Adjustment in the Returned Migrant Population
Tuesday, 8 July 2025: 15:30
Location: FSE020 (Faculty of Education Sciences (FSE))
Oral Presentation
The return to the place of origin represents an additional stage in the migration cycle, but it has not received as much attention as other migratory processes. Studies indicate that during the return process, some individuals encounter economic and sociocultural challenges that may lead to mental health issues and require psychological readjustment (Kuschminder and Richard, 2017).
The objectives of this study are to provide information on the return process and the psychological adjustment of the Spanish returnee population, and to determine whether experiences during migration and upon return impact perceived stress and mental health, with an analysis of potential gender differences.
The sample consists of 375 returned Spanish migrants (75% women and 25% men; M age =32.1; SD=6.9). An online questionnaire was designed, including sociodemographic variables, questions about the migration process (e.g., perceived discrimination, goal achievement), and return-related factors (e.g., employment status, social identification). Perceived stress (PSS-14) and mental health (GHQ-28) were also measured.
The results show that during migration, participants achieved favorable employment outcomes and sociocultural adjustment in the host society. Upon return, they found employment, are meeting their expectations, feel socially integrated, and report good mental health. However, some individuals are encountering difficulties in the return process, which contributes to increased stress and mental health problems. Gender differences were found: women face greater challenges in socio-occupational adjustment and report higher levels of stress and mental health issues.
Although the majority experience good sociocultural and psychological adaptation upon return, there are individuals facing difficulties during this stage. This study confirms the importance of past migration experiences and the conditions upon return in understanding the psychological well-being of returnees. It also highlights the greater difficulties faced by women and the impact this has on their mental health, emphasizing the need to contextualize migration and return as potentially stressful life events.
The objectives of this study are to provide information on the return process and the psychological adjustment of the Spanish returnee population, and to determine whether experiences during migration and upon return impact perceived stress and mental health, with an analysis of potential gender differences.
The sample consists of 375 returned Spanish migrants (75% women and 25% men; M age =32.1; SD=6.9). An online questionnaire was designed, including sociodemographic variables, questions about the migration process (e.g., perceived discrimination, goal achievement), and return-related factors (e.g., employment status, social identification). Perceived stress (PSS-14) and mental health (GHQ-28) were also measured.
The results show that during migration, participants achieved favorable employment outcomes and sociocultural adjustment in the host society. Upon return, they found employment, are meeting their expectations, feel socially integrated, and report good mental health. However, some individuals are encountering difficulties in the return process, which contributes to increased stress and mental health problems. Gender differences were found: women face greater challenges in socio-occupational adjustment and report higher levels of stress and mental health issues.
Although the majority experience good sociocultural and psychological adaptation upon return, there are individuals facing difficulties during this stage. This study confirms the importance of past migration experiences and the conditions upon return in understanding the psychological well-being of returnees. It also highlights the greater difficulties faced by women and the impact this has on their mental health, emphasizing the need to contextualize migration and return as potentially stressful life events.