Social and Family Factors Related to Intercountry Adoptees and Immigrants’ Bicultural Identity Integration

Intercountry adoptees constitute a distinct acculturating group that differs from traditional immigrant groups. Yet, there is a lack of research examining the psychosocial processes related to the well-being of this group and how these differ from other immigrant groups. A study carried out in Italy based on a sample group of young immigrants (N = 168) and intercountry adoptees (N = 160) tests a model in which social (perceived discrimination) and family factors (parental autonomy support) predict psychological well-being. The model also examines whether these associations are mediated by Bicultural Identity Integration (BII), the degree to which the ethnic and national identities are experienced as blended and compatible. Results indicate that while discrimination undermines BII among immigrants, it does not among adoptees. Moreover, parental autonomy support improves BII for both immigrants and intercountry adoptees. The findings showed significant associations between BII and psychological well-being. The implications of these results are discussed with regard to possible interventions with immigrants and intercountry adoptees.