Seeing Diversity Through Young Minds: How Identity, Family, and Environment Shape Young Adults’ Views on Immigrant Diversity
Zoom Link
https://muw.zoom.us/j/98287107796
Department
Psychology & Family Studies
Format of Presentation
Oral Presentation
Research Category
Social Sciences
Description
Abstract
This study investigates how culture, family communication, and social contexts contribute to the well-being of young adults from immigrant and refugee backgrounds. Using Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory and Social Interaction Theory to investigate how a person's "family background", "social background", and "personal background" affect a person's overall mental and emotional health (as well as their well-being).
Three areas of focus will be explored: ethnic identity, family communication, and social media use by the young adults. An online survey targeting first-generation immigrants or refugee young adults (18-25) collected data on aspects of cultural identity related to ethnic identity, family interactions, social media involvement, cultural discrimination, and overall mental and emotional well-being for the demographic. Analysis of data collected from the study indicated that strong cultural ties, as well as a lower frequency of cultural discrimination, were associated with positive levels of mental health.
Further analysis indicates the availability of family support through communication facilitates adaptive behavior in times of personal stress, and the use of social media helps promote a sense of social connectedness.
The results demonstrate that all three influencing areas (personal, family, and social) are related to one another and are therefore interrelated in their relationship to an individual's ability to adapt and achieve a positive overall mental health outcome. The results also assist individuals (parents, teachers, community program administrators) in helping young immigrant/refugee populations to achieve positive psychological well-being.
Recommended Citation
Bailey, Taylor M., "Seeing Diversity Through Young Minds: How Identity, Family, and Environment Shape Young Adults’ Views on Immigrant Diversity" (2026). Undergraduate Research Conference. 4.
https://athenacommons.muw.edu/urc/2026/stem-and-social-sciences-oral-presentations/4
Seeing Diversity Through Young Minds: How Identity, Family, and Environment Shape Young Adults’ Views on Immigrant Diversity
Abstract
This study investigates how culture, family communication, and social contexts contribute to the well-being of young adults from immigrant and refugee backgrounds. Using Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory and Social Interaction Theory to investigate how a person's "family background", "social background", and "personal background" affect a person's overall mental and emotional health (as well as their well-being).
Three areas of focus will be explored: ethnic identity, family communication, and social media use by the young adults. An online survey targeting first-generation immigrants or refugee young adults (18-25) collected data on aspects of cultural identity related to ethnic identity, family interactions, social media involvement, cultural discrimination, and overall mental and emotional well-being for the demographic. Analysis of data collected from the study indicated that strong cultural ties, as well as a lower frequency of cultural discrimination, were associated with positive levels of mental health.
Further analysis indicates the availability of family support through communication facilitates adaptive behavior in times of personal stress, and the use of social media helps promote a sense of social connectedness.
The results demonstrate that all three influencing areas (personal, family, and social) are related to one another and are therefore interrelated in their relationship to an individual's ability to adapt and achieve a positive overall mental health outcome. The results also assist individuals (parents, teachers, community program administrators) in helping young immigrant/refugee populations to achieve positive psychological well-being.
https://athenacommons.muw.edu/urc/2026/stem-and-social-sciences-oral-presentations/4