TRANSFORMATION OF SOCIAL IDENTITY IN THE PROCESS OF MIGRATION AMONG INDIVIDUALS WITH A HISTORY OF CHILDHOOD PSYCHOTRAUMAS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32689/maup.psych.2025.2.14Keywords:
social identity, adverse childhood experiences, ACE, posttraumatic growth, PTGI, migrationAbstract
The article presents results on the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACE), posttraumatic growth (PTGI), and social identity among migrants. Identity transformation is salient amid contemporary sociocultural challenges and forced/voluntary migration, requiring psychological adaptation. Childhood trauma can act as a vulnerability factor [6, p. 246], whereas PTGI serves as a resource for integration and social bonding [8, p. 457]. The sample comprised 48 migrants (75% women). Instruments included ACE, PTGI, and Cameron’s Social Identity Scale [5, p. 241]. Descriptive statistics, Spearman correlations, Mann–Whitney U, and Kruskal–Wallis tests showed no significant association between ACE and either PTGI or social identity, while PTGI correlated positively with social identity and its components. We conclude that meaning-making, new possibilities, improved relationships, and appreciation of life strengthen adult social identity. Practical implications highlight PTGI-oriented interventions as a pathway to resilience and integration.
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