Psychological and Sociocultural Adaptation of Spanish and Immigrant-Background Adolescents and the Role of Perceived Social Support

Introduction. This work aims to compare the psychological and sociocultural adaptation of Spanish adolescents with the adaptation of immigrant-origin adolescents living in Spain. The relationship of different sources of social support with these variables are also tested. Method. Participants included 1805 adolescents (54.3% girls): 1122 Spanish, and 683 of immigrant-origin (Moroccan-origin, 358; Romanian-origin, 136; and Ecuadorian-origin, 186). Participants reported their life satisfaction, school adjustment and perceived social support (from family and friends). The Bioethics Committee on Human Research at the university of the researchers approved the study. Results. ANCOVAS and regression analysis were performed. Results show small differences between the groups in both adaptation variables. Family support was positively related to both types of adaptation in all groups, while support from friends was related only to psychological adaptation in some groups. Discussion and Conclusion. This study shows, in general, a positive scenario for adolescents of Moroccan, Romanian and Ecuadorian origin living in Spain, supporting one of the most widespread findings in the study of the adaptation of young immigrants (the ‘immigrant paradox’). The key role of perceived family support in the psychological adjustment of adolescents is also highlighted.