Agency as Factors of Adaptation of Forced Migrants

Abstract. The article analyzes the socio-psychological factors influencing the adaptation of forced migrants. The main psychological characteristics of the formation of forced migrants’ internal worldview are revealed, and the ways to overcome ontoecological maladjustment and the state of “internal displacement” are outlined. The study examines the results of research on the living conditions of forced migrants from Ukraine. The article presents the results of the selection of acculturation strategies by forced migrants from Ukraine, namely: assimilation, integration, marginalization, and separation. The role of acculturation strategies in the adaptation of forced migrants is explored. The phenomenon of “acculturation stress” is analyzed, along with the concepts of nostalgia, anostalgia, victim identity, post-traumatic growth, and self-efficacy. The study emphasizes the distinction between the concepts of “forming a victim identity” and “becoming a victim of circumstances”. It is concluded that if a forced migrant identifies as a victim, their behavior may lead to negative consequences both for themselves and for their interpretation of surrounding events and situations. Emphasis is placed on the role of self-esteem and the sense of personal dignity, which are most negatively affected by forced relocation to another country and the abandonment of one’s home. The concept of “agency” is identified as an important factor in the adaptation of forced migrants. The meaning of agency and its role in the adaptation process are examined. In this study, agency is understood as an individual’s engagement, their ability and capacity to influence the world and the surrounding environment, and their willingness to take responsibility for their own actions and decisions. It is concluded that the foundation of migrants’ agency lies in high self-esteem, self-effective behavior, involvement in social processes, legal and social awareness, conditions for learning the language of the host country, social connections, and other contributing factors. Keywords: agency, acculturation, forced migrants, internal movement, polymorphic helplessness, identity, identity of the victim, acculturation stress, nostalgia, onto-ecological arrangement, post-traumatic growth, self-efficiency.