Immigrants' social integration as a function of approach-avoidance orientation and problem-solving style

Previous research has shown that immigrants’ approachorientation positively predicts their attitudes towards contact with host nationals. The present research builds on this previous work by investigating the extent to which immigrants’ independent vs. interdependent problem-solvingstyle moderates the relation between approach–avoidanceorientation and socialintegration. Interdependent problem-solvers rely on other people to achieve their goals. This interdependence was expected to reduce the influence of approach–avoidanceorientation on integration amongst immigrants. Immigrants to Australia (N = 137) completed a questionnaire that included measures of approach–avoidanceorientation and problem-solving style. Participants also completed three measures of socialintegration: (1) proportion of Australian friends, (2) feelings of inclusion in Australian society, and (3) satisfaction with employment, accommodation, and life in Australia. Consistent with previous research, there was a positive relation between approach and socialintegration and a negative relation between avoidance and socialintegration. Consistent with predictions, problem-solvingstyle moderated the relation for approachorientation: Only immigrants who were independent problem-solvers showed a significant positive relation between approach and socialintegration. The results are discussed in relation to Gable's model of approach and avoidance social goals and motives, and the implications for immigration services are considered.