Managing acculturation threats with tailored self‐affirmation interventions: A mixed‐methods study with Syrian forced migrants

Self-affirmation interventions can protect individuals from perceived threats and enhance well-being. However, previous studies highlight the need to adapt these interventions to specific populations, particularly non-WEIRD ones, to achieve effective results. To our knowledge, this is the first study to use a mixed-methods participatory approach to develop self-affirmation techniques tailored to the threats Syrian forced migrants face during acculturation in European host societies. In the first qualitative study, 30 in-depth interviews explored threats encountered during acculturation, their negative effects and spontaneous self-affirmation mechanisms used to preserve well-being and self-image. A second experimental study assessed the effectiveness of tailored self-affirmation interventions. Three hundred and thirteen participants reported their acculturation orientations, read a threat-inducing text and were then assigned to one of three self-affirmation conditions (host-domain, heritage-domain or individual) or a control condition. We then measured hedonic well-being, self-esteem and a challenged sense of belonging. Contrast analysis showed that combined self-affirmation interventions enhanced hedonic well-being compared to control, particularly when aligned with individuals' acculturation orientations. Our studies contribute to the literature by developing culturally grounded interventions for a specific underrepresented population using mixed methods. Future research should test their effectiveness with similar forced migrant populations and continue adapting interventions to fit diverse cultural contexts and interindividual differences.