ABSTRACT
It is generally argued that immigrant populations experience acculturative stress, and the prevalent view for many years was that this resulted in a decline in mental health. However, this argument of lowered mental health is not fully supported. There seem to be many factors that moderate the effects of acculturation on mental health. A study was undertaken to examine the relationship between acculturative stress and mental health, with two immigrant groups (Greeks and Filipinos) now residing in Northern Australia. The sample, composed of 50 from each group (25 males and 25 females), were interviewed. Apart from a free-response strategy, checklists of stressors and ways of coping as well as the General Health Questionnaire were used to obtain relevant data. The results suggest that overall the mental health of members of both groups (but more especially that of the Filipinos), seem to be only minimally affected by migrant experiences. A strong sense of cultural identity, and the support from family and association with members of their own community, seem to bolster immigrants even against stressors arising from perception of racism and discrimination. Overall these immigrant groups seem to enjoy good mental health.
