The relationship between identities, acculturation expectations and psychological well-being of Russians in the Crimea

Abstract

Recent geopolitical transformations in the Crimea have been challenging for all residents of the peninsula including the Russian ethnic majority. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between the identities, acculturation expectations and psychological well-being of two generations of Russians in the Crimea. The study sample included 294 Russians (60% female), aged 18 to 67 years. The scales aimed at estimation of identities and acculturation expectations, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale were applied. The acculturation expectation of integration was found to be positively related to self-esteem of both generations. Place identity was positively related to integration expectation, while national identity was positively related to separation expectation for both generations. Among the older generation of Russians, ethnic identity was positively related to the expectation of integration and self-esteem. The findings are discussed, taking into account historical, political and social context of the Crimea.