// RJC // Volume 1, Number 4 // Irina SUANET-GALCHENKO and Fons J. R. van de VIJVER

THE ROLE OF PERCEIVED ETHNIC VITALITY IN ACCULTURATION
AMONG RUSSIAN EMIGRANTS TO FRANCE, GERMANY,
AND THE NETHERLANDS

Irina SUANET-GALCHENKO and Fons J. R. van de VIJVER

[Abstract]

This study addressed the role of perceived ethnic vitality in acculturation among Russian emigrants to France (N = 229), Germany (N = 240), and the Netherlands (N = 182). Support was found for the hypothesis that Russian emigrants to France whose community has a high perceived ethnic vitality showed more psychological adjustment and more interactions with co-nationals and host nationals (sociocultural adjustment) than do emigrants in the two other countries whose communities have lower levels of perceived ethnical vitality. Regression demonstrated that a higher level of perceived ethnic vitality and a lower level of perceived cultural distance were associated with more psychological adjustment. Moreover, emigrants who reported more perceived ethnic vitality interacted more frequently with both co-nationals and host nationals. Extraverted emigrants showed more psychological adjustment and interacted more frequently with host nationals. Acculturation orientations and coping were found to mediate antecedent conditions and outcomes. Attitudes towards host domain and seeking social support were positively associated with psychological adjustment and interactions with host nationals. Emigrants of the second generation were more oriented and better adjusted to the host country.