The relationship between sense of belonging and sociocultural adaptation among migrants in Vancouver, British Columbia

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between sense of belonging and sociocultural adaptation among migrants who have voluntarily left their country of origin and immigrated to Vancouver, British Columbia (B.C.) in order to seek permanent residency. The sample consisted of 88 participants permanently living in Vancouver, B.C. who had immigrated to this city within the past ten years. The Sense of Belonging Instrument (SOBI) and the Revised Sociocultural Adaptation Scale (SCAS-R) were used to test for a relationship between sense of belonging and sociocultural adaptation. Results indicated a positive relationship between psychological sense of belonging and sociocultural adaptation among migrants. Demographic variables (age, gender, employment status, socioeconomic status, marital status, duration of residency in Vancouver, race and religion) were also tested on sense of belonging and sociocultural adaptation. Only employment status was found to have a significant impact on sociocultural adaptation, where employed participants demonstrated a stronger sociocultural adaptation than unemployed participants. Furthermore, findings showed the importance for the need of counsellors to better aid migrants in their transition to the new country in terms of their belonging and sociocultural adaptation. Discussed are also recommendations for counsellors to undergo necessary training and policy, as well as future recommendations for researchers.