Role of Multiple Identities and Acculturation Strategies in Psychological Well-Being of Crimean Tatars

Recent geopolitical changes in Crimea initiated the process of massive identity transformation among ethnic majority and minority groups. Current study was aimed at examining the role of multiple identities and acculturation strategies in the psychological well-being of Crimean Tatar minority. The sample consisted of 80 Crimean Tatars (25% - male), ranging in age from 17 to 50 years old. We used the following measures: Satisfaction with Life Scale by Dinner, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Motivation for Ethno-cultural Continuity scale by Gezentsvey Lamy and Ward (2013), Place Identification Scale by Droseltis and Vignoles (2009), Religious identity scale by Verkuyten (2007), Russian Ethno-Linguistic scale (Isavea, Van de Vijver, Adams, 2018), and the scales from the MIRIPS questionnaire: National identity, Ethnic identity, Acculturation strategies. According to the results, the combination of ethnic, religious and place identities positively predicts both life-satisfaction and self-esteem among Crimean Tatars. These combined identities also positively predict integration strategy and negatively assimilation strategy. Combined national and Russian ethno-linguistic identitiy positively predicts integration and assimilation strategies and negatively predicts separation strategy. Moreover, the study revealed high Motivation for ethno-cultural continuity among Crimean Tatars. It is positively related with both life-satisfaction and self-esteem, while there was no significant relationship between acculturation strategies and subjective well-being. The findings indicate the importance of taking historical, political, social context into account in the studies on minority issues.