Modeling the general health of Iranian immigrants based on cognitive flexibility and perfectionism with the mediation of acculturation stress

Immigration is a dual-factor phenomenon that creates psychological pressures by establishing a stressful environment and necessitating new adaptations. This study aimed to determine the fit of the proposed model of general health of Iranian immigrants based on cognitive flexibility and perfectionism, mediated by acculturationstress.

Methods and Materials:

The study employed a correlational method. The population comprised all Iranian immigrants who had legally resided for more than a year in Western Europe, North America, or Oceania. A sample of 224 individuals was selected through convenience sampling. Data collection was conducted using Goldberg’s General Health Questionnaire (1972), Dennis and Vander Wal’s Cognitive Flexibility Inventory (2010), Hill et al.'s Perfectionism Questionnaire (2004), and Hoveyand King's AcculturationStress Scale (1996).

Results indicated that cognitive flexibility negatively impacts the general health of immigrants (β = -0.46, p = 0.001). Perfectionism also negatively affects their general health (β = -0.42, p = 0.001). Acculturationstress positively impacts the general health of immigrants (β = 0.76, p = 0.001).

The assessment of the proposed model using path analysis demonstrated a good fit for the general health of Iranian immigrants based on cognitive flexibility and perfectionism, mediated by acculturationstress. Consequently, fostering positive cognitive flexibility and perfectionism can aid in reducing acculturationstress and maintaining mental health in immigrants.