Etnische diversiteit en mentaal welzijn

The relationship between ethnic diversity on context level and mental well-being has so far been scarcely studied. Even when it has been studied, no effect is found. Two reasons can be suggested for the lack of an effect: ethnic diversity can be subdivided into several aspects and the relationships between ethnic diversity and mental well-being works differently for social groups in the society. This study takes these two factors into account. Based on a multilevel regression analysis of ESS- and OECD-data, the effect of ethnic diversity on mental well-being is studied in 16 countries (N = 5409). Two perspectives of ethnic diversity are being explored: the economic and cultural perspective. Based on the percentage of lower educated migrants or the percentage of non-Western migrants in a country, it is assessed whether there is a negative effect on mental well-being. In addition, it is examined whether the level of education effects this connection. Explanations for a possible negative interaction effect of education are sought in the degree of job insecurity or ethnocentrism of an individual. Contrary to the expectations, the results make it clear that individuals with a higher educational level have a more negative mental well-being when a country is ethnically more diverse. One explanation for this may be that individuals with a higher educational level are less in contact with migrants. Future research can emphasize neighborhood-level diversity to see how much group contact there is between natives and migrants.