Nineteenth International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Abstract

This paper considers the need for mixed methodologies and interdisciplinary cooperation in migrant mental-health research, focusing on second-generation migrants. It is based on research investigating scale translation and adaptation within the context of a doctoral thesis on the mental health of migrants in Germany. The “Bicultural self-efficacy” scale (BSES, David et al., 2009) was translated and adapted for usage in German-speaking regions. This process included six (6) phases: permission from the author, forward translation, synthesis, expert evaluation, focus group feedback, and back translation. The final version of the BSES, as well as the German translation of the short-form version of the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scales (DASS-21, Nilges et Essau, 2015), were administered to a non-clinical sample of second-generation migrants in Germany, with a heterogeneous cultural background. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of the BSES showed incorrect factor loadings despite stringent adherence to scale translation guidelines. Rendering the translated BSES unusable for determining BSES in German-speaking migrants. Furthermore, EFA and Confirmatory factor analysis found shortcomings in the three-factor structure of the previously validated German DASS-21. These findings have led to the need to adapt the validated DASS-21 and BSES scales before being able to utilize both in further quantitative research on migrant populations in Germany. First, the paper problematizes current practices in international research pertaining to the use of psychometric scales. Second, a broader discussion follows on the role of the psychological humanities in providing researchers with the tools for tackling shortcomings in international or cross-cultural psychological research.