ADOLESCENT AND PRE-ADOLESCENT MIGRATION: IMPLICATIONS FOR IDENTITY

This exploratory study investigated whether the timing of childhood migrations influenced the likelihood of identity struggles with a group of seven individuals, aged 22-30. It examined the migration experiences and identities of four participants who migrated prior to adolescence, and three who relocated during adolescence. The research was underwritten by a social constructionist epistemology. The methodology integrated aspects of narrative psychology, symbolic interactionism and thematic analysis to facilitate the exploration of both individual differences and social factors. The analysis was guided by the application of established social psychological theories on group membership and identity. The study demonstrated that age at migration influenced the likelihood of identity struggles within the sample and that secure membership of at least one cultural group was needed to avoid identity struggles. Participants who migrated or changed school during adolescence had more difficulties with language acquisition and establishing friendships; as social groups were less permeable and teasing more prominent. Their acculturation was slower and they were not readily accepted as native members of their new culture by native peers. Some were perceived as foreigners by native members of both their new and parental cultures, which made a sense of belonging and identity difficult to establish