LEARNED HELPLESSNESS OF MIGRANTS AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF ADAPTATION: STUDIES REVIEW

Abstract

Purpose. Successful adaptation of migrants is a global social issue. The article presents a theoretical review of research on problems of learned helplessness while migrants’ adaptation. Methodology. A theoretical review of research on problems of “learned helplessness” and “migrants”, cross-references. Results. The learned helplessness of migrants uprises as a reaction to uncontrolled events and cultural shock. Learned helplessness symptoms aggravation occurs at the initial stage of adaptation and may lead to return to the country of origin. Practical implications. The motivational, cognitive and emotional deficits of learned helplessness complicate adaptation. The findings theoretically justify the hypothesis about cultural and ethnic determinants of mental health of migrants. The findings are important for social and psychological support of migrants’ adaptation and integration, as well as for future research on how migration experience affects values and more distant development processes of migrants in host communities.

Keywords

• learned helplessness
• migrants
• adaptation