Affect, meaning in life, and life satisfaction among immigrants and non-immigrants: A moderated mediation model

Immigration has become a global phenomenon as part of modern life. However, immigrants often demonstrate negative emotional states following the immigration process, which may destabilize one's existing values and standards which provide meaning to life. Meaning in life is considered to be a protective factor against life adversities, and previous research has linked acculturative stress with reduced meaning in life. Yet, little is known about the differential utility of meaning in life among immigrants and non-immigrants in a given society. Thus, the current study examined whether meaning in life mediates the connection between negative affect and life satisfaction, and whether this mediation differs among immigrants and non-immigrants in Israel. Results demonstrated a significant mediation of meaning in life for the negative affect - life satisfaction connection, but only among native Israelis. The role of meaning in life in the context of acculturation is discussed, and future directions are suggested.