Psychological and Situational Factors in International Migration

Abstract

<p>Although Canada is populated by immigrants and their descendants, little beyond demographic characteristics is known about those who settle here. Migration has most often been viewed as solely economically motivated, a conclusion that is based to a large extent on analyses of aggregate data. Few researchers have obtained information from individuals and psychological factors which may be implicated in migration have been almost completely ignored.</p> <p>The research reported in this thesis focused on applicants for immigrant visas at the Canadian High Commission in India and a matched sample of Indian nonemigrants. A multivariate analysis allowed for the simultaneous examination of a number of psychological and situational factors. Several differences between these groups were identified, the most important of which were that the potential emigrants were less satisfied with their occupation, were relatively high sensation seekers, were more interested in world events and had a more internal locus of control. The reasons potential emigrants gave for wanting to leave India, for choosing Canada as their destination and the gains they expected through migration were all related to these differences.</p> <p>An additional component of the study was an investigation of Indians who had previously immigrated to Canada. It was found that the demographic characteristics of these migrants and their perceptions of migration have generally remained stable over three decades. There was some suggestion that personality traits had changed among these immigrants but the etiology of these changes requires confirmation.</p>