ABSTRACT
AIMS: The aim of this study is to explore the psychological well-being of Polish and Asian immigrant youth in Iceland in comparison with their native peers, and the role of sociodemographic background and social support in explaining ethnic differences. METHOD: The study is based on a dataset from the research network Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC), collected in the school year 2009-2010. A total of 11,561 students aged 11, 13, and 15 years participated in the study. Immigrant status was determined by parents' birthplace dividing the two non-native groups into four: non-mixed Polish, mixed-Polish (one parent born in Poland), non-mixed Asian, and mixed-Asian (one parent born in Asia). Data were analyzed by means of hierarchical multiple regression. RESULTS: Less life-satisfaction and more distress was reported in all non-native groups compared with natives. The outcomes were more negative for youth of mixed ethnic origin. Initial ethnic differences in life-satisfaction and distress disappeared or were substantially reduced when sociodemographic background and social support were controlled. A key finding is that non-native youth more often live in challenging socioeconomic circumstances and experience less access to social support than their native peers. CONCLUSIONS: Emphasis should be placed on actions that aim to create better sociodemographic conditions and supportive environments for immigrant families. In particular, special effort to foster a supportive school environment for immigrant youth is suggested.
