Contextual and Individual-Personal Predictors of Russians’ Adaptation in Estonia and Kyrgyzstan

Abstract

Background. Acculturation strategy choice and success of adaptation to new cultural environment depend both on individual characteristics of participants of intercultural interaction and on characteristics of the context. In this regard, it is important to apply an integrated approach to study the mutual contribution of contextual and individual-personal predictors of acculturation. Objective. The study aims at identifying complex contextual and individual-personal predictors of adaptation of Russians in Estonia and Kyrgyzstan, and revealing relationship between these complex predictors, acculturation strategies, and psychological well-being of Russians in these republics. Study Participants. The sample consisted of 302 Russians in Estonia (Mage = 37.51; SD = 16.55; 52% females) and 300 Russians in Kyrgyzstan (Mage = 35.56; SD = 17.40; 64,8% females). Methods. We used scales from the MIRIPS questionnaire, instruments for measuring identities and intercultural attitudes developed in CSCR of HSE, and local identity scale by O. Droseltis and V.L. Vignoles. Results. The study revealed three complex predictors of adaptation in each country: perceived inclusiveness of context, ethnocultural identity and closeness to host country. These three complex factors in both countries were positively associated with life satisfaction, and in Estonia with self-esteem as well. Perceived inclusiveness of the context and closeness to host country negatively related to separation and positively related to integration, ethno-cultural identity positively related to separation. In Kyrgyzstan we also revealed culture-specific positive links between ethno-cultural identity and integration and between closeness to host society and assimilation. Conclusion. The study of the mutual contribution of personal and contextual characteristics to success in adaptation to new cultural environment contributes to a deeper understanding of acculturation as a complex dynamic process, the components of which are in constant interaction with each other.

Keywords

• adaptation
• context of acculturation
• identities
• psychological well-being
• russians
• estonia
• kyrgyzstan