The Role of Coping Self-Efficacy, Social Support, and Loneliness on Acculturative Stress and Life Satisfaction Among Brazilians in Ireland

The mental health of migrants is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including acculturative stress, social support systems, coping mechanisms, and individual resilience. This study investigated the mental health experiences of Brazilian migrants in Ireland (N = 96; 75% female), focusing on the interplay of acculturative stress, social support, coping mechanisms, loneliness, and life satisfaction. This is a quantitative study with correlational design employed, with data collected through an online questionnaire comprising demographic questions and five psychometric scales: Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Acculturative Stress Scale for International Students (ASSIS), Coping Self-Efficacy Scale (CSES), UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-10), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). The results revealed that longer time spent in Ireland was associated with decreased acculturative stress and increased life satisfaction. Additionally, coping self-efficacy, perceived social support, and time spent in Ireland positively correlated with life satisfaction, while loneliness negatively correlated with coping self-efficacy. The study also found that social support, coping self-efficacy, and time in Ireland were positive predictors of life satisfaction, whereas acculturative stress and loneliness were negative predictors. These findings underscore the crucial role of social support, coping skills, and addressing loneliness and acculturative stress in promoting the well-being of Brazilian migrants in Ireland. Future research could delve into the specific coping strategies employed by this population and the influence of cultural factors on their acculturation process.