Kara-Lise Duxfield

Doctor of Clinical Psychology, (Doctor of Clinical Psychology)
Study Completed: 2014
College of Humanities & Social Sciences

Citation

Thesis Title
Acculturation Trajectories and Quality of Life in South African Immigrants Living in New Zealand

Read article at Massey Research Online: MRO icon

Contemporary migration research using quantitative methods is limited by the use of variable-centred analysis, static measures of acculturation, and a focus on negative outcomes. Ms Duxfield addressed these issues in an exploration of the acculturation trajectories and quality of life of 50 South African immigrants living in New Zealand. Her methodological approach sought to gain the benefits of both quantitative and qualitative approaches to migration research, which she achieved by incorporating cluster analysis from interview data to detect shared acculturation patterns within subgroups. Using thematic analysis, she explored individual cases within these subgroups and formed profiles of shared acculturation trajectories. Ms Duxfield’s study highlights the possibility of exploring both shared and idiosyncratic experiences of migration, and her profiles of acculturation trajectories highlight some important issues for South African immigrants living in New Zealand (particularly related to children, work, and social support).

Supervisors
Associate Professor Joanne Taylor
Associate Professor John Spicer
Professor Stuart Carr