Ageing in the context of accompanying migration: a leisure stress coping perspective

The migration of older adults is receiving increasing academic attention. Existing research, however, gives little attention to accompanying migrants who migrate for the purpose of intergenerational caring, which is particularly typical in China, and its impact on older adult immigrants’ well-being. Based on the leisure stress coping model, this study explores the leisure stress coping mechanisms of accompanying migrants in the Chinese cultural context. Data were collected through 42 in-depth interviews with Chinese accompanying migrants. The findings revealed that accompanying migrants perceived three dimensions of stress: adaptation stress, obligation stress, and role stress. Under the influence of leisure coping beliefs, migrants adopted coping strategies including seeking support, shifting focus, and self-adjustment. Consequently, the stress-coping process was realised through leisure activities such as exercise, social events, and sightseeing. Theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed.