Effect of Positive Social Interaction on the Psychological Well-being in South American Immigrants in Chile

Abstract

The immigration of South American people migrating to countries of the same region is a little explored phenomenon, mainly in terms of processes that affect their integration and well-being in the countries that host it. The objective of this research was to analyze the effect of positive social interaction on the psychological well-being of immigrants. Participants in this study were 684 Colombians and Peruvians, over 18 years old, living in Chile. They had to complete scales that evaluate their psychological well-being (Ryff) and others that evaluate their interaction with the environment (social role and social well-being). It is found that the positive social interaction had a significant and positive association with all dimensions of psychological well-being, except for autonomy. In this sense, the processes through which the individual interacts with society are related to their well-being. As being a positive interaction, the overall functioning of the immigrant (psychological well-being) will be superior.