Religiosity, Psychological Acculturation to the Host Culture, Self-Esteem and Depressive Symptoms Among Stigmatized and Nonstigmatized Religious Immigrant Groups in Western Europe

Abstract

This study examined the associations among religiosity, psychological acculturation to the host culture, and self-esteem and depressive symptoms among immigrants to a secular European country (Belgium). A first hypothesis proposed that religiosity would be negatively indirectly associated with psychological acculturation through the intervening mechanism of perceived distance between the home and host cultures. A second hypothesis proposed that religiosity would be indirectly negatively related to self-esteem and indirectly positively related to depressive symptoms through (a) reduced perceptions that religious beliefs are tolerated by the host culture and (b) feelings of anger toward the host society. The first hypothesis received support among stigmatized and nonstigmatized religious groups, whereas the second was supported only for members of the stigmatized religious group.