Objectives: The purpose of this literature review was to highlight the studies on mental health in relation to acculturation and ethnic identity and to identify research gaps. The results can be used to help inform future immigrant mental health workers and policy makers as well as provide information about the implications of immigrant mental health. Methods: The literature search was conducted electronically, directed by a variety of key words. The search focused on five areas of immigrant mental health importance: (1) acculturation; (2) acculturation and mental health; (3) ethnic identity; (4) ethnic identity and mental health; and (5) acculturation, ethnic identity and mental health. A total of 171 articles were examined and 110 were included in the review. Results: The information is presented in the following categories: acculturation; acculturation and mental health; ethnic identity; ethnic identity and mental health; and acculturation, ethnic identity and mental health. Research gaps are also presented. Conclusion: Overall, literature shows that acculturation, ethnic identity and mental health are closely related to one another affecting both, individuals and communities. This literature review will help to better inform practitioners who may encounter immigrants experiencing mental health issues due to acculturation and ethnic identity pressure. This review may also help policy makers identify specific obstacles that are not addressed in immigration policies which can affect the implementation of these policies. In addition, the information presented can be used as an instrument for researchers in the field. Despite the limited amount of information about immigrant mental health challenges, much work remains to fully support the affected individuals and their families.

This study examined the relationship between acculturation, ethnic identity, and psychological well-being of the Albanian-American immigrant community in United States. A total of 139 Albanian-American immigrants aged 21–35 years old participated in the study. In order to utilize the data, participants filled out four different surveys, including a demographic questionnaire, the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM), the Vancouver Index of Acculturation (VIA), and Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being scale. A correlational design relying on cross-sectional survey data and multiple regression analysis was used to study the correlations between acculturation, ethnic identity, and psychological well-being. The results showed that ethnic identity, acculturation, and psychological well-being were positively correlated to each other. In addition, the results showed that both ethnic identity and acculturation affected the psychological well-being of Albanian-American immigrants in the United States. This relationship was further moderated by gender and length of residency in the United States and mediated through graduate school education. The results of this study will help clinicians, social workers, and policy makers that work with immigrants to better understand the psychological consequences of immigration due to acculturation and ethnic identity factors.

The current article explores the correlation between neighborhood satisfaction, resident demographics, and participation in religious organizations. The data used in this article came from the first wave of the Strong Communities household survey, collected from 229 households in the Strong Communities service area in Greenville, South Carolina. The comparison sample consisted of 238 households and the sample was limited to a parent or a caregiver of a child under the age of 10. The results showed that there were no significant relationships found between neighborhood satisfaction and attendance in neighborhood organizations. Studies, which linked residential and neighborhood satisfaction with religious associations showed that religious practice promotes the well-being of individuals, families, and the community. The aim of this article is to further investigate if religious organizations effect neighborhood satisfaction. More research is needed in the field of neighborhood satisfaction based on demographic variables as well as affiliations with religious organizations.

Purpose: This paper aims to identify the successful strategies, through literature review, to be used in Kosovo to help integrate the Roma community and to reduce the community’s overall social exclusion. This paper further examines the gaps between strategies and implementation results in reducing the social exclusion of the Roma through experiences of other European countries with similar political and socio-economic history as Kosovo. Design/methodology/approach: This paper uses a literature review and further examines the experiences of other European countries, with similar political and socio-economic history as Kosovo and their strategies in eliminating the social exclusion for Roma communities. A holistic socio-ecological approach is used as a recommended model to be used for the development of a strategy to reduce social exclusion among Roma Communities in Kosovo. Findings: The social and economic implications are extremely negative for countries with large Roma minorities, such as Western Balkan countries and the European Union (EU) as a whole. Roma inclusion policies both in the EU and Western Balkans contain considerable flaws and tend to ignore the variables of discrimination and antigypsyism. There is an obvious need to act more urgently to prevent the exclusion of Roma and to create strategies for better inclusion. Overall, gaps seem to remain between the strategies and implementation results. Practical implications: This paper aims to add to the existing literature about the ongoing efforts of the international development assistance community and communities in the developing world. This paper also aims to show the gaps in ongoing efforts and provide generic recommendations that may be applicable in many diverse situations with the aim of leading communities toward a self-sufficient sustainable future. Originality/value: The Kosovo anti-discrimination law protects all individuals from discrimination; however, in practice, studies show that the Roma exclusion is very high in Kosovo. This paper stands among the first to analyze comparative literature and policy reviews.

Albania has been one of the key origin and transit Eastern European countries to traffic with persons. More than 5000 Albanian women have been victims of trafficking in the past decade. The Albanian Government's judiciary has been inefficient, corrupt, and the pressure on the judiciary continues to be a serious problem. The purpose of this paper is to examine Albanian legislation by drawing parallels between Albanian and international legislation in trafficking with persons. More specifically, this paper addresses the problem and the legal context, problems with current enforcement of legislation in Albania, and the role of civil society in combating human trafficking. The prevailing forms of human trafficking in Albania, criminalization and rights of victims, and connotations when victims are female, foreign and/or minors are also noted. The paper concludes by making recommendations from the Albanian Strategic Framework with a focus in human trafficking victims.