Sense of community in the adaptation of Latin American immigrants

Abstract

The influence of the sense of community on biopsychosocial adaptation of Latin Americans living in the city of Malaga, Spain, was analyzed. The sample consisted of 34 people of Latin American origin and two measurement were carried out in an interval of 18 months. An approximate longitudinal prospective comparative study was developed. The relationships between the variables were compared according to the length of time of residence in Malaga (less/more than one year) and the effect of the passage of time. The results showed that the dimensions of sense of community were consistently related to the biopsychosocial adaptation variables analyzed in this study and a positive change was observed in the adaptation variables for both groups. Implications for practice and training of social workers and public policies improvements are considered, revealing the potential of Community Social Work in this area.