Dimensions of adjustment for American settlers in Melbourne, Australia

Abstract

A general sample of adult American settlers in Melbourne, Australia, (N = 116) was administered a questionnaire containing life satisfaction items and a personal data section. One section of this questionnaire contained a 29-item "Satisfaction with Life in Australia" scale. This scale was factor analyzed using an oblique algorithm; a solution with six factors resulted. Factors dealt with Homeiness and Housing (I), Missing Relatives and Friends in the U.S. (II), Cultural Expressions (III), Work Orientation (IV), Degree of Isolation (V), and General Alienation (VI). Results were discussed in relation to studies on other migrant groups and possible significance of family to American settlers.