Abstract
[New immigrants represent a population at risk for increased emotional distress due to the number and frequency of major life changes they experience. Utilizing SCL-9Ø emotional health scores, this study describes the differing effects of immigration upon 162 recent English-speaking immigrants to Israel and compares them to the results of a similar study of 135 immigrants completed in 1981. In contrast to the 1981 study sample, it was found that among 1983 immigrants : (1) longer stays in immigrant absorption centers were not necessarily correlated with decreasing emotional health; (2) American immigrants were no different than other English-speakers on measures of emotional health; and (3) separation problems were considered the area of greatest difficulty compared to the earlier immigrants' claim that interactions with the complex Israeli bureaucracy was its most difficult adjustment. In both groups greater emotional health was associated with the presence of at least one relative or friend upon arrival in the country].
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