The Process of Immigrant Adjustment

This study examines the role played by length of residence in determining the psychological adjustment of 382 new immigrants from the former Soviet Union during their first 2 years in Israel. Psychological adjustment was evaluated using longitudinal ( n = 133) and cross-sectional ( n = 382) designs. The findings partially support the U-curve 3-stage social adjustment model (Lysgaard, 1955). The first stage, occurring from the first days up to 5 months in the new country, is the deterioration stage. The second stage, occurring between 5 and 11 months, is the low well-being stage. The third stage, occurring after more than 11 months, is the recovery stage. Significant differences in psychological adjustment exist between the first and second stages.