Effects of Internal Migration on Psychosocial Resilience among University Students

Abstract Spatio-temporal changes are linked to affective, cognitive and behavioral aspects of lives. Perhaps, the most pronounced component of population dynamics of the current world is migration which is not just a change of residence but a significant driver of psychosocial resilience among the migrants. Current study intended to figure out the roles of internal migration in the magnitude of resilience along with risk and resilience factors as intervening constructs among the students of the University of Dhaka, the leading educational institution of Bangladesh. Explanatory sequential mixed method design was adopted in this regard. Quantitative data was collected from 396 students of the university (49% male, 51% female) using a semi-structured questionnaire. Psychometric scales were adapted to measure the coping capacity and academic resilience. Responses were analyzed following t-test, chi-square test and correlation coefficient via SPSS. Qualitative data were gathered through 10 case studies via telephone interview to better explain the underlying factors. Content of those data glorified the research with rich findings. Study found no significant gender differences and labelled the migrants as medium resilient copers. In terms of academic resilience, students showed medium to high perseverance, expressed controlled negative emotions and higher help-seeking behaviour. Besides, the study identified 33 risk factors and 20 resilience factors which pose threat and offset threat respectively in the life of the migrants. Detachment from family, financial issues, mental stress, and sufferings in university hall were the significant risk factors. Among resilience factors personal adjustment, self-esteem and family supports were noteworthy.