Acculturation Processes and the Experience of Traumatization in the Case of Forced Ukrainian Migrants

Abstract

As Ukrainian refugees grapple with adapting to a new language and cultural environment, the extent of linguistic adaptation varies. Intriguingly, respondents may simultaneously commit to their cultural traditions while navigating the challenges posed by new sociocultural conditions. Against the backdrop of the traumatic experience induced by conflict, the analysis examines the impact on mental health, specifically investigating the potential manifestation of hyperactivity and avoidance behaviours. The findings shed light on the intricate interplay between acculturation, cultural preservation and trauma among forced Ukrainian migrants. The study involved 502 refugees from Ukraine who left for the United States under the programme United for Ukraine aged between 18 and 58 years (M = 27); gender (male—46%, female—54%). Resilience analysis showed that 75% of participants exhibited moderate stress resistance, while 90% demonstrated high resilience on the Resilience Scale. Acculturation strategies varied, with 32% adopting assimilation, 25% integration, 25% marginalisation and 18% separation. Correlation analysis identified significant relationships between trauma indicators and acculturation factors, emphasising the complex interplay between acculturation strategies, trauma levels and sociocultural adaptation. The findings show a positive relationship between acculturation and trauma levels, with lower assimilation levels associated with a steeper increase in trauma compared to higher assimilation levels.