Ethnic Identity and its Relation to Life Satisfaction among the Russian-speaking population in Finland (Turku) and Estonia (Tartu)

Abstract

This study examined a relation between the ethnic identity and well-being among the adult Russian-speaking migrant population in Finland and Estonia. The whole sample of 189 respondents (Finland, n = 96; Estonia, n = 93) was analysed by means of both the quantitative and qualitative methodologies. In order to evaluate the level of national score among the respondents the revised version of Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure by Jean S. Phinney’s was used. As a result of employing the descriptive, inferential and other methods of statistical analysis the suggested hypothesis was supported. The outcome indicated that there is a negative association between ethnic identity and the life satisfaction among the Russian-speakers and a strong feeling of ethnic identity plays the buffering role against discrimination and distress.