Measuring Ulysses Syndrome

Migration process affects multiple aspects of life. The adaptation process to a new culture comprises many demands, such as those related to the working environment, that can generate diverse psychosocial risks. Ulysses Syndrome is a construct that integrates immigrants main psychological risks. In this study we propose the joint use of a set of scales in order to estimate the variables present in Ulysses Syndrome: emotional exhaustion, acculturative stress, anxiety/depression, social dysfunction and loss of confidence. Sample was composed of 182 immigrant workers (Latin-American, African, European and Asian) all of whom were Spanish residents. Dimensionality and reliability analyses revealed adequate psychometric scale values. We also studied the contingency between acculturation strategies and Ulysses Syndrome, finding that 81.2% of participants reported the most adaptive strategy. Finally, we discuss correlations between biodata (age, education, months of residence, Spanish culture knowledge and lawful permanent residence) and scales. Limitations of this work and further investigation about psychosocial risks, health and immigration are mentioned as well. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved) (Source: journal abstract)