Ar emigravę lietuviai yra kitokie?

Abstract

In 2008 a group of researchers of General and Theoretical Psychology Departments at Vytautas Magnus University (head of the Project – assist. prof. L. Bukšnyte, group members – assist. prof. V. Martišius, assist. prof. A. Endriulaitiene, dr. L. Šeibokaite, R. Markšaityte and dr. K. Žardeckaite-Matulaitiene) conducted a scientific study “Psychological Factors of Emigration” granted by State Studies Foundation. The aim of the study was to compare psychological characteristics of emigrants, Lithuanians who want to emigrate, and Lithuanians who want to live in their country of origin. Method. Subjects of the study were 617 Lithuanians: 310 emigrants and 307 current Lithuanian residents. Such psychological factors as personality traits, subjective physical and psychological health, psychosocial stress, satisfaction with life, self-evaluation, value orientations, tobacco, alcohol and substance abuse, risky sexual behavior, aggressiveness, suicidal behavior and risky driving were measured. Results and Conclusions. Results indicated that emigrants tend to have more positive psychological characteristics then current Lithuanian residents. Emigrants tend to be more social orientated, have higher emotional stability, better subjective health, and express less health problems. Emigrant women tend to have higher openness, consensuses, and self-efficacy, and are more satisfied with their life.