Relationship between hardiness and perceived stress in two generations of Latin American migrants

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between hardiness and assimilation to the Australian culture, and the relationship between hardiness and levels of perceived stress among first- and second-generation Latin American migrants living in Melbourne, Australia. The participants consisted of 41 men and 47 women, with a mean age of 34.75 years (SD = 9.75 years). Second generation migrants reported higher levels of perceived stress, which was associated with higher levels of assimilation. Hardiness and levels of perceived stress were associated, because more hardy individuals reported lower levels of stress. However, first generation migrants did not appear to be hardier than second generation migrants. The implications of the study are discussed.