The Ambivalent Role of Perceived Low Cultural Distance in Acculturation—A Case of Ukrainian Migrants in Poland

A Qualitative Study

Bibliographic Data

ID7473530
AuthorsMaria Baran (0000-0003-3130-0244, SWPS University, Warsaw, Poland, corresponding author), Marta Boczkowska (0000-0003-2642-682X, Institute of Psychology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland), Katarzyna Hamer (0000-0003-1964-7763, Institute of Psychology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland), Maria Górecka (Independent Researcher, Warsaw, Poland), Karolina Mazurowska (0000-0003-0914-1144, SWPS University, Warsaw, Poland), Daniela Hekiert (0000-0002-6108-993X, SWPS University, Warsaw, Poland), Halina Grzymała-Moszczyńska (Ignatianum University, Cracow, Poland), Halina Grzymala-Mosczynska (0000-0003-2751-3204, Akademia Ignatianum w Krakowie)
Year2026
Volume57
Issue2
Pages316-345
Publication date2026-03-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Cross-Cultural Psychology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0022-0221 • E-ISSN: 1552-5422
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/00220221251387706
OpenAlexW7108320597
LanguageEN
References cited76

This study examines the role of perceived low cultural distance in the acculturation process of Ukrainian women (aged 22–31) who voluntarily migrated to Poland prior to 2019. Through qualitative analysis of 17 in-depth interviews, we explored how perceived cultural similarity between Poland and Ukraine is associated with the experiences of these migrants. Using reflexive thematic analysis, we found that while a perceived low cultural distance is associated with a sense of familiarity that may ease certain aspects of acculturation, it does not fully mitigate sociocultural challenges and acculturative stress these women experience. A notable and novel finding is the identification of the phenomenon we propose to call the “Minimization trap,” a theme suggesting that cultural and linguistic differences may be downplayed, potentially complicating sociocultural adaptation and psychological adjustment. Despite perceived similarity, significant cultural differences were reported, highlighting the need for targeted interventions such as intercultural training and language acquisition support. Our findings stress the importance of culturally sensitive policies that recognize both the opportunities and challenges associated with low cultural distance in the acculturation process

Acculturation · Ambivalence · Cultural diversity · Cultural identity · Qualitative research · Reflexivity · Sociocultural evolution · Thematic analysis · Ukrainian · Cultural Differences and Values · International Student and Expatriate Challenges · Racial and Ethnic Identity Research