Exploring processes of adaptation in a group of post- 2004 Polish migrants in the UK: an interpretative phenomenological analysis

This study explores how a group of post-2004 Polish migrants have adapted to life in the UK.
Eight participants were interviewed and transcripts were analysed using the qualitative methodology of interpretative phenomenological analysis. Four master themes emerged: relating to Poland; relating to the UK; impact on self; and adaptive ability. Migrants’ relationship with Poland and the UK is considered and the psychological impact of migration on the individual is explored. The findings suggest that migration brings benefits as well as challenges. It is evident that participants are equipped with a range of adaptive
characteristics and employ a variety of strategies to cope with difficulties, and these are explored in detail. Exploring identity processes reveals that participants’ adaptation is aided
by prior identification with UK and ‘Western culture’, which is understood as a reflection of the socio-economic changes taking place in Poland since 1989. Theoretical implications and relevance of the findings to the field of counselling psychology are considered and further
areas of exploration are discussed.

Personal contact details removed from appendices 2013-02-12