Research on immigrant mental health shows that culture change may pose risks to their psychological wellbeing. Multiple
studies have reported increased rates of anxiety and depression among individuals exposed to culture change. On the other
hand, some strategies of acculturation (e.g. integration) have been linked with better adjustment and mental health
outcomes, while others (e.g. marginalization) - have been identified as predictors of poorer outcomes. Beginning from
1990s onwards large numbers of Georgians have left the country in search of permanent residency or economic
opportunities. Yet, the data on their adjustment and mental health outcomes are extremely scarce. The proposed research
aims to study Georgians residing in three EU countries (Greece, Italy and Germany) to examine the associations between
their acculturation strategies, personality-level individualism/collectivism, and mental health outcomes (levels of anxiety,
depression and satisfaction with life). Acculturation is conceptualized/measured by acculturation strategies of integration
(maintaining original culture and adopting the new culture), assimilation (adopting the new culture, and leaving behind the
old), separation (sticking with the original culture only) and marginalization (maintaining/adopting neither culture).
Individualism/collectivism will be measured through identifying personality-level cultural orientations. Anxiety will be
measured by identifying state anxiety indicators. Depressive symptoms will be measured based on core signs of depression.
Satisfaction with life will be measured by global cognitive judgment on one’s satisfaction with own life. Links between
some demographic variables, acculturation strategies, and wellbeing outcomes will also be examined. The research findings
will substantially enrich the knowledge about Georgian immigrants and sojourners producing valuable evidence on their
acculturation strategies and mental health data from European countries that represent top three EU states from which
Georgians receive monetary support. Applicable for multiple disciplines, the study results may interest a wide range of
researchers from social psychology, clinical psychology, public health, migration studies and social work, among others.The
findings will be published in international peer reviewed journal and will inform new insights relevant to local, regional,
and international contexts.