This study has shed light on the acculturation
experience of Burmese women migrant workers
in Thailand. These women migrant workers who
were employed as factory workers and domestic
helpers described their situational and personalrelational
stressors which contributed significantly
to and predicted their high levels of acculturative
stress. Moreover, they reported above average use
of approach coping responses such as logical analysis,
positive reappraisal, seeking guidance, and
problem-solving in their unsuccessful attempts to
minimize their acculturative stress levels. They also
reported above average use of avoidance coping
responses such as cognitive avoidance and seeking
alternative rewards which also did not reduce
their acculturative stress levels. However, their
below average use of the avoidance coping responses
of acceptance/resignation and emotional
discharged significantly predicted their high levels
of stress.
Burmese women migrant workers described
the situational stressors they were experiencing as
harsh working conditions characterized by long
hours, low wage, and no provision for sick days,
holidays, and health care. Substandard living conditions
which were marked by crowded and dirty
living spaces with inadequate ventilation, frequent
illness with very little access to adequate health