The social psychological consequences of emigration from Ireland for those who stay

Abstract

Much of the research into emigration has investigated the causes of emigration and the acculturation experiences of emigrants as they adapt to their new homes. This qualitative study examined the social psychological consequences of emigration from Ireland for those who remain. Twenty individuals participated in in-depth interviews during which they responded to questions dealing with their response to the emigration of a close friend or relative. A content analysis of interview results indicated that respondents identified several reactions to the emigration, including sadness and grief. The results also revealed that the stayers compared themselves with their departed friend or relative. These comparisons and their consequences are interpreted in terms of equity theory.