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Acculturative stress and cultural identity styles as predictors of psychosocial functioning in Hispanic Americans
Abstract
We test acculturative stress, Hybrid (HIS) and Alternating (AIS) Identity Styles, and their interaction effects as predictors of psychosocial functioning over a 12-day period among Hispanic American university students. Participants completed measures of acculturative stress, HIS, AIS, and internalizing (anxiety and depression) and externalizing (social aggression and rule-breaking) symptoms on Day 1; on Day 12 they completed the symptom measures a second time. Structural equation modelling was used to examine the Day 1 effects of acculturative stress, cultural identity styles, and their interactions on Day 12 symptoms controlling for the Day 1 symptoms. We hypothesized that acculturative stress would predict more, and the HIS would predict fewer, symptoms and that the AIS would moderate the relationship between acculturative stress and symptoms over time. Results indicated that: (1) acculturative stress predicted an increase in internalizing symptoms; (2) the HIS predicted a decrease in internalizing and externalizing symptoms; and (3) the AIS attenuated the relationship between acculturative stress and externalizing symptoms. The results are discussed in relation to the distinctive features of internalizing and externalizing symptoms, and recommendations for future research are advanced.
... Rights reserved. Cano et al., 2014;Castillo et al., 2015aCastillo et al., , 2015bCheng, 2022;Corona et al., 2017;Leffler, 2015;Maiya et al., 2021;Ponciano et al., 2020;Pulgar Guzman, 2021;Ward et al., 2021;Zeiders et al., 2015). Ward et al. (2021) asked Hispanicyouth to record the psychological impact of acculturative stressors across an eleven-day cycle, and found that acculturative stress could affect the emergence of symptoms of anxiety and depression within a short period of time (Ward et al., 2021). ...
... Cano et al., 2014;Castillo et al., 2015aCastillo et al., , 2015bCheng, 2022;Corona et al., 2017;Leffler, 2015;Maiya et al., 2021;Ponciano et al., 2020;Pulgar Guzman, 2021;Ward et al., 2021;Zeiders et al., 2015). Ward et al. (2021) asked Hispanicyouth to record the psychological impact of acculturative stressors across an eleven-day cycle, and found that acculturative stress could affect the emergence of symptoms of anxiety and depression within a short period of time (Ward et al., 2021). Higher levels of acculturative stress also strongly predicted lower self-esteem (Hale & Kuperminc, 2021;Piña-Watson et al., 2013). ...
... Cano et al., 2014;Castillo et al., 2015aCastillo et al., , 2015bCheng, 2022;Corona et al., 2017;Leffler, 2015;Maiya et al., 2021;Ponciano et al., 2020;Pulgar Guzman, 2021;Ward et al., 2021;Zeiders et al., 2015). Ward et al. (2021) asked Hispanicyouth to record the psychological impact of acculturative stressors across an eleven-day cycle, and found that acculturative stress could affect the emergence of symptoms of anxiety and depression within a short period of time (Ward et al., 2021). Higher levels of acculturative stress also strongly predicted lower self-esteem (Hale & Kuperminc, 2021;Piña-Watson et al., 2013). ...
Acculturation after settlement has been identified as a risk factor affecting the mental health of immigrant youth. Increasing rates of immigration and expanding populations of immigrant youth mean that addressing their mental is a priority. Acculturative stress is the stress-response resulting from the effects of multiple stressors that result from the need to acculturate. Among youth within the developmental stages of late adolescence and emerging adulthood, increased sensitivity to stress, and developmental demands, impact their mental health. The effects of acculturative stress place an additional burden on the mental health of immigrant youth. This scoping review examined existing literature that investigated a variety of relationships between acculturative stress and youth mental health. A comprehensive search strategy that focused on studies involving youth, mainly aged between 15-24, with a proximal history of international migration, published between 2012-2022, resulted in a collection of fifty-three studies. This review examined significant relationships between acculturative stress and major depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, substance misuse, behavioural problems and poor psychological wellbeing. This scoping review was truly explorative as it included youth from immigrant minorities, had no geographical limits, and included various study designs. Acculturative stress continues to be an important contributor to the mental health of youth who have a proximal history of international migration. This review provided an exploration of the state of research, identified the importance of the settlement context, and provided recommendations for the direction of future studies, supportive policies, and practice considerations, related to the mental health of immigrant youth.
... According to cultural stress theory, scholars have posited three culturally based stressors that can adversely affect the psychological health of Hispanic populations: bicultural stressors, discrimination, and negative context of reception. Bicultural stressors refer to pressures arising from the necessity to navigate between two (or more) sets of cultural norms or values (Romero & Roberts, 2003;Ward et al., 2021). Discrimination is a general term referring to inappropriate and unjustified behavior towards persons solely because of their membership in specific social groups (de Freitas et al., 2018). ...
... A burgeoning body of research has suggested this pattern particularly for perceived discrimination: perceived discrimination (Amiot et al., 2007;Branscombe et al., 1999;Perozzo et al. 2016) has been shown to be related to changes in minority people's social identities (both increases and decreases), but also with disidentification with the national culture (Jasinskaja-Lahti et al., 2009;Verkuyten & Yildiz, 2007). Although the CIS framework is still new, there is research (e.g., Qumseya, 2018;Ward et al., 2021) indicating that relations between cultural stressors and CIS may be interrelated. However, to date, only perceived discrimination has received significant attention. ...
... Moreover, Cheeks et al. (2020) found that discrimination experiences not only occurred through daily interactions, but also that the short-term predictive effects between discrimination and psychological affect and the moderating role of parental racial socialization differed from the analogous long-term processes. Similarly, Ward et al. (2021), using the same dataset as the present study, demonstrated that changes in perceived bicultural stressors and CIS occurred over a short-term period. This set of findings is also consistent with a burgeoning body of literature (e.g., Lee et al., 2023;Meca et al., 2022;Schwartz et al., 2021;Torres & Ong, 2010;Yip & Fuligni, 2002) focusing on similar constructs (e.g., ethnic identity, ethnic/U.S. belonging) suggesting that short-term changes and fluctuations also emerge for cultural identity-related outcomes and cultural stressors. ...
Research shows that cultural identity styles (CIS; i.e., hybrid identity style [HIS] vs. alternating identity style [AIS]) and cultural stressors (i.e., discrimination, negative context of reception, and bicultural stressors) are associated, but the directionality of this association remains unclear. Using a 2-wave, self-report dataset and a cross-lagged design, we examined the directionality of the associations between cultural stressors and CIS among 824 first- and second-generation U.S. Hispanic college students over a 12-day period. Across two waves, results of our path analysis indicated that in particular CIS temporally predict cultural stressors rather than vice versa. Whereas AIS predicted higher levels of perceived cultural stressors, HIS predicted lower levels of perceived cultural stressors. Moreover, contrary to our expectations, we also found a small negative effect of perceived discrimination on AIS. These findings suggest that HIS may play a more favorable role than AIS for bicultural identity formation and for decreasing cultural stressors.
... For example, some studies have explored antecedents for acculturation strategies in the wider population (e.g., Zagefka et al., 2009) and majority attitudes that lead to preferred acculturation strategies for immigrants (Kosic et al., 2005). In a related vein, few studies have examined the predictors of acculturation strategies of immigrant employees such as newcomer adjustment (Hommey et al., 2020), contextual factors (Hajro et al., 2019), acculturation strategies as a determinant of job outcomes (Wang & Jing, 2018), and dispositional and situational factors (Samnani et al., 2013). However, what is noticeably missing from the literature on acculturation strategies is how cultural values such as HCIS affect an immigrant employee's acculturation strategy and subsequent work attitude and behaviors. ...
... Immigrants with HCIS are therefore more likely to seek and engage in cultural activities with their cultural group (Samnani et al., 2012;Schwartz et al., 2006). Accordingly, HCIS will drive them to select either marginalization or integration strategies (Ward et al., 2021). ...
... Hence, an immigrant employee on the lower spectrum of HCIS will differentiate themselves from both cultural groups and tap into a more salient identity (e.g., gender) to adapt to the working environment. Therefore, immigrants with low HCIS are more likely to choose marginalization strategy (Samnani et al., 2012;Ward et al., 2021). On the contrary, immigrant employees on the higher spectrum of HCIS who want to retain important aspects of their heritage culture that are distinct (e.g., familism for Hispanic immigrants) while adopting key dominant cultural values of the host culture (e.g., Sunday night football) that will allow them to fit in will more likely choose integration strategies. ...
There has been growing interest among organizational researchers in the relationship between acculturation strategies and organizational outcomes of immigrant employees. However, what is noticeably missing from the literature on acculturation strategies is how cultural values such as heritage cultural identity salience affect an immigrant employee’s acculturation strategy and subsequent work attitude and behaviors. Drawing on Berry’s (1997) acculturation strategy and framework, we examined heritage cultural identity salience, harmony enhancement, integration and marginalization acculturation strategy, turnover intention, and affective commitment among immigrant employees in the USA. In this time-lagged study, we found that heritage cultural identity salience was negatively related to marginalization and positively related to integration. Harmony enhancement significantly buffered the relationship between heritage cultural identity salience and marginalization and integration, respectively. Heritage cultural identity salience had significant indirect effects on affective commitment via marginalization and both affective commitment and turnover intention via integration. Lastly, results from the moderated mediated analysis showed that the indirect effect of heritage identity salience on affective commitment and turnover intention via integration was significantly different at varying levels of harmony enhancement. Our study affirms existing research on acculturation strategy and extends the literature by introducing harmony enhancement as a moderator. The use of Berry’s (1997) framework and the results of this study provide useful insights into the inclusion and retention of immigrant employees in the US workforce. Practical implications, as well as theoretical contributions, are discussed.
... Moreover, Indigenous people reported having less access to healthcare because of isolation (Statistics Canada, 2020c). Immigrants may also have less access to healthcare because of cultural and language barriers (Bae, 2020;Usama, Fathi, Vasileva, Petermann, & Reinelt, 2021;Ward, Szabó, Schwartz, & Meca, 2021). Regarding material threat, visible minorities, immigrants, and Indigenous people reported a higher unemployment rate and more financial hardship during the pandemic than the majority group did (Statistics Canada, 2020b, 2020c, 2021Kim, Kim, Tuttle, & Zhang, 2021;OECD, 2020). ...
... Our results also align with the acculturation literature, which shows that immigrants' acculturation experiences are additional stressors that could explain why they have a high level of threat and negative emotion (Berry, 2006). For example, immigrants may have less knowledge/access to the healthcare system, more language barriers, have less family support, experience more discrimination, and feel less secure about their cultural identity as they are still adapting and developing a sense of belonging to the new society (Bae, 2020;Lou, 2021;Usama et al., 2021;Ward et al., 2021). In summary, our findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to perpetuate, if not intensify, the pre-existing disparities and negative emotional experiences among immigrants, ethnic minorities, and Indigenous people (Escobar et al., 2021;Kim et al., 2021;Statistics Canada, 2020c). ...
... A lack of data about threats and emotions before the COVID-19 pandemic prevented us from examining whether such group differences are driven by the impact of the pandemic or other factors. Second, other factors may explain the group differences in well-being, such as group differences in coping strategies and acculturation stress (Berry, 2006;Meyer et al., 2008;Ward et al., 2021). Third, this study focuses on the differences between established, dominant European Canadians, on the one hand, and minority immigrants, non-migrant ethnic minorities, and Indigenous people, on the other; we acknowledge that there are nuances in group categorizations (e.g., different subgroups of ethnic minority and European Canadians; see Statistics Canada, 2017) and within-group heterogeneity in perceived threat and well-being. ...
The COVID-19 pandemic's differential impact on ethnic minorities, immigrants, and Indigenous peoples (e.g., mortality and infection rate, as well as psychological well-being) may exacerbate existing disparities. This study examined some psychological mechanisms that might explain the apparently more negative emotional experiences of ethnic minority Canadians during the pandemic compared with non-immigrant European Canadians (i.e., the majority/mainstream ethno-cultural group). We investigated group differences in negative affect and three possible threat mechanisms (perceived health, material, and cultural threat) for these differences using an online survey completed by a self-selected Canadian sample (N = 1,918). The results suggest that compared to the European Canadians, ethnic minority members, immigrants, and Indigenous peoples have on average perceived higher levels of pandemic threat, which in turn is associated with negative affect. These findings support the hypothesis that the amount of perceived threat perceived by different groups during the pandemic may partially explain reported group differences in well-being.
... Because parent expectations have been shown to mediate outcomes in young autistic adults (Kirby, 2016), understanding values that underline these expectations may be helpful, as expectations to involving traditional family roles or adhering to cultural norms may create additional stress for autistic individuals, potentially exacerbating difficulties in adaptive functioning (Razani et al., 2007). Additionally, the acculturative stress stemming from conflicts between cultural values and the demands of the broader society can impact adaptive functioning (Ward et al., 2021). Thus, the interplay between cultural values, acculturation, and acculturative stress may be associated with critical outcomes for Latino emerging adults with ASD and their Spanish-speaking parents. ...
... Interestingly, higher acculturative stress was associated with worse mental health outcomes, which aligns with previous studies documenting the negative effects of acculturative stress on mental health among Latinos (Ward et al., 2021;Ijalba, 2016). However, it is important to consider that this relationship may be influenced by factors such as the intervention being delivered or other potentially confounding variables. ...
Latino families with emerging adults diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face unique challenges during the transition to adulthood, influenced by cultural values, acculturation, and systemic barriers. Acculturation and acculturative stress are particularly relevant in this population, as they navigate cultural adaptation while maintaining traditional values like familismo (family) and respeto (respect). These dynamics are further complicated by disparities in access to resources and culturally responsive interventions. This study explores the interplay of cultural values, acculturation, and acculturative stress among Latino emerging adults with ASD and their Spanish-speaking parents participating in a culturally adapted and translated intervention. Using a cross-sectional design, we examined data from 26 emerging adults (18–25 years old) and 38 of their parents, assessing cultural values, acculturation levels, acculturative stress, and outcomes. Findings revealed significant acculturative stress in both emerging adults and parents, particularly related to intercultural relations, language, and discrimination. Strong traditional cultural values, such as familismo and respeto, were prevalent and influenced family dynamics and adaptive functioning during the transition to adulthood. A divergence in acculturation levels was noted, with emerging adults displaying higher acculturation, especially in language and social relations. The findings have implications for understanding emerging adulthood and the development of culturally tailored interventions for Latino emerging adults and their parents.
... International students attend universities abroad to learn and obtain quality education, achieve academic success, build a career for job prospects, and improve employability skills (Mason et al., 2009). Together with their international education journey, international students encounter academic and social challenges that expose them to cultural shock and stress (Adler, 1975;Ward et al., 2021;Zhou et al., 2008). Scholars argue that cultural shock arises when individuals find themselves in an unfamiliar environment, and it is characterized by discrimination and homesickness (Poyrazli & Lopez, 2007), difficulties with communication, lack of knowledge of the culture of the country of host, lack of familiarization with the new food, housing, and social support (Raja et al., 2021;Wen et al., 2018), financial difficulties (Kong, 2018), and academic cultural distance (Yerken & Nguyen Luu, 2022) as well as inconsistency of purpose, lack of effort to perform group tasks, and lack of linguacultural development (Singh & Jack, 2022). ...
... To promote international students' general health and increase life satisfaction and well-being, universities should assign counselors or supervisors to new students to identify the vulnerable and guide them through open communication (Topham & Moller, 2011). This may minimize the intercultural sensitivity and acculturation gap (Ward & Geeraert, 2016;Ward et al., 2021) and increase well-being and academic performance (Topham & Moller, 2011). ...
The quest to flourish academically and acquire skills needed for job opportunities has brought people from different cultures and countries to closely interact. Using Vygotsky's sociocultural theory, this study examines the relationship between international students' intercultural sensitivity and academic adaptation and the mediating role of general health. A one‐way analysis of variance and structural equation model were conducted to assess the differences and relationships between the constructs, utilizing 338 respondents. The findings showed that male, doctoral, and English‐taught students reported significantly higher academic adaptation. Students who have no or less COVID‐19 related issues reported higher general health. Further, the regression results revealed that intercultural sensitivity is related to academic adaptation, and general health partially mediated the intercultural sensitivity and academic adaptation relationship. These findings demonstrate that intercultural sensitivity nurtures students' self‐esteem and mental toughness, which allow them to reap good health outcomes that impact academic adaptation. The practical implications and limitations of the study have been discussed.
... Teacher socialization literature abounds, but when it comes to acculturation in teaching, studies point more to the development of cultural competencies, which may facilitate acculturation, and are discussed later. While the body of research on the acculturation is well established regarding immigrants (e.g., Berry, 2006aBerry, , 2006bBerry, , 2006cSam, 2006b;Ward, 2013), students who are children of immigrants (e.g., Ward, et al., 2021) and international students (e.g., Searle & Ward, 1990), there is a dearth of research studies on K-12 teachers. Immigrants and international students share many similarities with international teachers, but there are also significant differences. ...
... Second, past acculturation studies have been mostly conducted in the context of outsiders who become insiders by virtue of their longer term or permanent stays. For instance, many acculturation studies have focussed on immigrants (e.g., Berry, 2006a;Sam, 2006;Ward, 2013), students in higher education who are children of immigrants (e.g., Ward et al., 2021), and international students (e.g., Searle & Ward, 1990). By contrast, almost all international school educators viewed their stays in host countries as temporary, and thus they are "between-society culture travellers" (Ward et al., 2005, p. 6). ...
The demand for teachers overseas far outweighs the supply. International school teachers, counselors, and leaders—collectively referred to as educators—become sojourners, living between home and host cultures, which brings both opportunities and challenges, but how do they manage to thrive once in their host country? Policyscapes, metaphorical pools of diverse policies and pedagogies, and culture shock present ubiquitous challenges for sojourning educators. This study explored factors that affect educator thriving overseas in the context of acculturation. To date, the body of research on educators’ acculturation experiences overseas is scarce. Psychological acculturation theories have covered many sojourner groups, but not educators, which is significant because educators are responsible for students, many of whom are also acculturating while attending international schools. This narrative qualitative study followed seventeen participants who were Anglo-Western-certified teachers and educational leaders, working at international schools. The seventeen sojourning educators were living and working in Macau, mainland China, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, and did not identify as belonging to that host culture. The study used the following instruments: field logs, interviews, reflex journals, photovoice, and memory box. Findings provided data about the lived experiences of sojourning educators, namely: sojourning experiences linked with one’s personal identity exploration; effective self-leadership strategies used by participants; effective onboarding/induction practices at one school that could be replicated in other international schools; acculturative stress linked with organizational and host cultures, policyscapes, leadership supports as well as being a leader, and the Covid-19 pandemic; and a comparative analysis of the findings with culture shock theory. Implications for theory lay a foundation for an educator acculturation framework. Implications for practice include propositions for educators, for professional learning, and teacher training. Implications for international school policy include the need for multiple stakeholder engagement to better understand and address policyscapes. Reflections on implications for methodology are provided. Finally, the study concludes with implications for further research.
... Consistent with recent studies linking cultural stress with internalizing problems (Lorenzo-Blanco et al., 2019;Ward et al., 2021), cultural stress was significantly associated with higher average levels of daily depressive symptoms. These findings provide further support for the detrimental role that cultural stress plays in the lives of Hispanic emerging adults within the United States. ...
... The impact of bicultural stress is consistent with recent work that found bicultural stress was an important cultural stressor that was associated with alcohol initiation (Meca et al., 2019b). Individuals experiencing high bicultural stress may feel the need to walk a tightrope between their two cultural streams, which, in the absence of capacity to effectively shift between cultural streams (Ward et al., 2021), may prove overwhelming. On the other end, perception of negative context of reception reflects feelings of rejection, largely from the destination society . ...
Hispanic emerging adults are routinely faced with a variety of cultural stressors that adversely impact mental health and compromise identity development. Given that identity emerges through day-to-day interactions, there is a need to explore the impact of cultural stress on identity development and depressive symptoms at the micro-level (across days). To address these gaps, the current study utilized a 12-day diary study conducted among 792 Hispanic college students (75.9% female, Mage = 20.14 years, SD = 1.85, Range = 18–24 years) to determine the impact of cultural stress on daily identity coherence, identity confusion, depressive symptoms, and the association between identity coherence and confusion and depressive symptoms in this population. Results indicated that Day 1 cultural stress positively predicted average daily depressive symptoms and identity confusion and negatively predicted identity coherence. Finally, cultural stress predicted a stronger daily association between identity confusion and depressive symptoms. As a whole, our findings emphasize the detrimental impact that cultural stressors have on both identity development and depressive symptoms at the daily level. These results are discussed in relation to the specific types of cultural stressors that Hispanic emerging adults face, and the need for appropriate intervention and prevention efforts for this population is emphasized.
... It emphasizes the affirmative recognition of an ethnic community, which they have developed over a long period of time by living together [38]. The integration of people's various identities reduces cultural conflicts caused by deviations or heterogeneities [39]. Researches have shown that, on the one hand, cultural identity affects consumers' purchase decision-making [40]. ...
Based on the previous studies on the impact of traditional culture on tourists’ purchasing intentions, this study aims to further explore the mechanism and boundary conditions regarding the traditional cultural load in tourist souvenir packaging. Through seven simulated experiments (N = 3203), the impact of different degrees of traditional cultural load on tourists’ purchasing intentions has been examined, with value perception, cultural identity, and purchase purpose, advancing the research in the field of traditional culture and tourism marketing. The findings provide insights for managers in the industry of tourism and souvenir marketing for their package design.
... 2016; Li, 2016). When faced with the demands of the acculturation process and adjustment stressors, immigrants may experience acculturation stress (Berry et al., 1987), which has been associated with higher risk of psychosocial impairment (Castillo et al., 2015;Cervantes et al., 2016;d'Abreu et al., 2019;Ward et al., 2021). ...
Throughout the years, immigration has been a significant movement in the USA and leads to the examination of acculturative stress. By employing the acculturation stress and vulnerability models, the present study aimed to examine the association among acculturation stress, self-esteem, depression, family cohesion, and familism in first-generation immigrant children. Longitudinal data from the Children of Immigrants Longitudinal Study (CILS) were used. The analytical sample (n = 5262) was predominantly female (51.1%) and between the ages of 12 and 18 (M = 14.23) years old. SPSS 27 and AMOS 27 were utilized to conduct a path analysis to examine the relationships among acculturation stress, self-esteem, depression, family cohesion, and familism. Our results showed good fit (χ2/df ratio = 11.49; CFI = 0.91; RMSEA = 0.05, CI [.04, .05]) for the full path model. Acculturation stress had a significant, negative association with depression (β = − 0.12, p < .001); a significant, negative association with self-esteem (β = − 0.12, p < .001); and a significant, positive association with family cohesion (β = 0.60, p < .01) and the familism index (β = 0.05, p < .05). Acculturation stress was found to be predictive of self-esteem, depression, and family cohesion for first-generation immigrant children between the ages of 12 and 18 years old. This study provides general implications for how mental health providers can understand the struggles and provide culturally competent therapeutic services for children and their families.
... The AIS involves alternating between the two identities depending on the circumstances, whereas the HIS involves blending the two identities in a novel way. The HIS has been associated with bicultural identity consolidation (Ward, Ng Tseung-Wong, et al., 2018) and positive psychosocial functioning (Ward, Szabó, Schwartz, & Meca, 2021). In contrast, the AIS has been associated with cultural identity conflict (Ward, Ng Tseung-Wong, et al., 2018) and with anxiety and depressive symptoms (Schwartz et al., 2019); however, qualitative data have suggested an adaptive value of AIS in maintaining a sense of balance (Stuart & Ward, 2011). ...
The present study explored the role of perceived societal norms of multiculturalism in the engagement of cultural identity styles (hybridising‐HIS and altenating‐AIS) and, in turn, their impact on bicultural identity consolidation and cultural identity conflict. We examined 293 Chinese Americans' perceptions about the extent to which culturally diverse groups are in contact with one another (multicultural contact); whether diversity is valued and appreciated (multicultural ideology); and whether there are policies and practices that support and accommodate diversity (multicultural policies and practices) in the United States. Results from a path analysis showed that multicultural ideology was negatively associated with AIS and cultural identity conflict. Multicultural contact was positively associated with HIS and bicultural identity consolidation. Multicultural policies and practices had no significant associations. The findings underscore the important role of perceived societal acceptance of multicultural ideology and perceived norms of multicultural contact in managing cultural identities. Furthermore, the study highlights that perceived multiculturalism norms as societal‐level factors combined with individual‐level cultural identity styles can influence the identity outcomes of multicultural individuals. Further research into the role of perceived societal norms for both majority and cultural minority individuals in identity integration is warranted.
... This suggests that the immigrants may feel a need to acclimate to the US culture in order to fit in and succeed in society. Moreover, integration to mainstream culture such as the US, is known to predict positive outcomes in psychological adaptations (Berry, 2006;Ward et al., 2021). For example, being open to learning can promote flexibility in adapting to new US cultural norms and practices. ...
This study seeks to (a) examine the relationship among demographic variables of Korean immigrant parents of children with developmental disabilities (DDs), (b) predict which demographic characteristics impact acculturative stress, and (c) investigate the effect of coping strategies while controlling for those demographics. Korean immigrant parents of children with DDs who reside in the United States (n = 64) completed modified versions of the acculturative stress scale from the National Latino Asian American Study (NLAAS), and coping pattern scale from the
Coping Health Inventory for Parents (CHIP). Measures were translated into Korean. The hierarchical multiple regression found that the country where the participants attained their highest level of education, coping patterns for maintaining social support, and
psychological well-being on positive self-esteem were significant
variables at predicting the level of acculturative stress. The recognition of cultural characteristics and cultural sensitivity to support Korean immigrant parents were identified as implications for research and practices. Further discussion of the findings and limitations are provided.
... Past research with immigrant samples has demonstrated positive associations for everyday discrimination (Metzner et al., 2022), bicultural stress (Ward et al., 2021), and negative context of reception (Forster et al., 2021;Salas-Wright et al., 2021;Schwartz et al., 2014) with depressive symptoms and negative well-being. In addition, researchers have noted that these three stressors are related yet distinct; for instance, one study found moderate to large associations (.36 < r < .51) between the three (Schwartz et al., 2022). ...
Objectives: Immigrants face multiple forms of cultural stress that hold pernicious influences on their psychological well-being, including everyday discrimination, bicultural stressors, and negative context of reception from others. Research thus is needed to consider potential buffers and mitigating factors that may help immigrant adults in the face of cultural stress. The present studies evaluated a sense of purpose as one potential buffer. Method: Study 1 asked immigrant adults in the Unites States to complete measures of the three cultural stress indicators in addition to sense of purpose and measures of well-being (depressive symptoms, anxiety, stress, self-esteem, self-rated health). Multiple regression analyses examined whether sense of purpose moderated the influence of cultural stress on immigrant well-being. Study 2 randomly assigned immigrant participants receive an experimental condition that asked participants to imagine a common cultural stressor faced by immigrants. Multiple regression analyses tested whether sense of purpose operated differently on postscenario affect across the control and experimental conditions. Results: Study 1 found that all cultural stress indicators negatively correlated with psychological well-being and sense of purpose. However, sense of purpose did not significantly moderate these associations. Study 2 found that imagining the cultural stressor led to worse momentary affective well-being, whereas sense of purpose was associated with better well-being. Again, sense of purpose did not interact with the condition to predict the postscenario affect. Conclusions: Sense of purpose was consistently associated with better psychological well-being. However, little evidence was found that sense of purpose mitigates the ill effects of cultural stress for immigrant adults.
... Previous studies in the field indicated that immigrants in general tend to display higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms as part of the psychological adaption in the host country: this phenomenon has been called acculturative stress. [45][46][47] The findings of this review suggest that the capacity to overcome acculturative stress relies on the personal attributes of IQNs, such as personality, life experiences, and family and social support. This is consistent with the extant literature. ...
Objective: This review aimed to better understand barriers to and facilitators of the professional integration of internationally qualified nurses (IQNs) in Australia. Background: Nursing shortages are a critical global issue, including developed countries such as Australia, where about 20% of the nursing workforce has been trained overseas. IQNs face many challenges associated with the migration process itself; and their professional integration is crucial in retaining them in the workforce and in maintaining the quality of nursing care in Australia.
... Research informed by social identity theory suggests that employing an AIS may function as an identity-protective resource (Petriglieri, 2011); however, the benefits afforded by alternating identities may also include enhancing well-being. For example, the AIS is known to buffer the detrimental impact of acculturative stress on externalizing symptoms over time (Ward et al., 2021). Nevertheless, far more research, particularly longitudinal studies, is needed to determine the antecedents and outcomes of cultural identity styles and to elucidate how and when the HIS and AIS may be adaptive for bicultural individuals. ...
Objectives: The research examined the motivation to integrate and perceived discrimination as antecedents of cultural identity styles, the cognitive and behavioral strategies that bicultural individuals use for decision making in managing and maintaining their ethnic and national identities. Two major cultural identity styles have been distinguished: the alternating identity style (AIS, changing cultural identities depending on the circumstances) and the hybrid identity style (HIS, blending selected aspects of these identities in a unique way). Based on earlier cross-sectional research, we tested the hypotheses that the motivation to integrate would predict greater use of both styles and that perceived discrimination would predict greater use of the AIS, but not the HIS, over time. Method: A community sample of 493 Chinese Americans (56% female, 51.5% first generation, Mage = 53.27 years) completed an online survey at two points in time with approximately a 1-month interval. Path modeling controlling for demographic factors (age, generation) and cultural identity style (AIS and HIS at T1) was used to test our hypotheses. Results: Analyses revealed that younger Chinese Americans made greater use of the AIS and that both the motivation to integrate and perceived discrimination were significant predictors of the AIS at T2. In contrast, only the motivation to integrate predicted the HIS at T2, confirming our hypotheses. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that both personal and situational factors affect the management of cultural identities. The findings are discussed in relation to research on acculturation and integration and theories of social and situated identity identities.
... Moving to a new country can be one of life's most stressful experiences (Berry, 2006;Safdar & Lay, 2003;Ward et al., 2021). Do romantic relationships amplify or mitigate this stress? ...
Many migrants experience cultural transitions alongside a romantic partner, yet relatively few studies have examined the relationship context of acculturation and adjustment. The primary goal of the present study was to examine whether partners' anxious and avoidant attachment-fearing abandonment or closeness in relationships, respectively-predicted their acculturation orientations and sociocultural, psychological, and relational adjustment. A secondary goal was to examine whether being romantically involved with a host national eased the process of acculturation. Toward this end, we collected dyadic daily diary data over a 14-day period from 146 couples (N = 292), of whom at least one partner was a recent migrant to the UK. We found that when migrants were higher in avoidant attachment, they-and their partners-reported the poorest acculturative outcomes: lower mainstream British identification and heritage culture identification, and lower sociocultural, psychological, and relational adjustment. When migrants were higher in attachment anxiety, they reported poorer psychological, sociocultural, and relational adjustment; when their partners were higher in anxiety, migrants reported worse outcomes across the board. Furthermore, migrants with a British partner reported greater mainstream British identification and sociocultural adjustment compared to migrants without a British partner. A follow-up 7.5 years later found that migrants who were higher in attachment anxiety and did not have a British partner at Time 1 were more likely to have left the UK by Time 2. Based on these findings, we encourage researchers, clinicians, and policy-makers to take migrants' relationship context into account to better understand their acculturation and adjustment.
... Although prior work has not examined the association between bicultural stress and USI directly, experiences of bicultural stress have been described as akin to feeling "the need to walk a tightrope between their two cultural streams" (Meca et al., 2022, p. 20). Without the appropriate skills necessary to effectively shift between cultural streams (Ward et al., 2021), bicultural stress may prove overwhelming and destabilize one's understanding of their role and place within the broader sociocultural and historical contexts. As previously noted, a number of studies have found that bicultural stress can interfere with identity development for emerging adult populations (e.g., Grigsby et al., 2018). ...
Entender los procesos que guían el desarrollo de una Identidad Estadounidense (USI, por sus siglas en inglés) se ha convertido en una tarea cada vez más importante. Aunque se ha demostrado que una USI positiva desempeña una función importante en el ajuste psicosocial, pocos estudios han examinado los factores que contribuyen al desarrollo de la USI, particularmente entre los adultos jóvenes hispanos/latinos. Para atender esta insuficiencia, el estudio actual examinó la función que el desarrollo de la identidad personal y de la Identidad Étnica/Racial (ERI) y los factores estresantes culturales (por ejemplo, la discriminación y el estrés bicultural) desempeñan en el desarrollo de la USI entre 416 adultos jóvenes hispanos/latinos (84,3% mujeres; Medad = 20,57 años; SD = 2,38 años). Mientras que la ERI y el compromiso con la identidad personal se asociaron positivamente con las dimensiones de la USI, la discriminación se asoció negativamente con la USI. Además, los resultados encontraron interacciones considerables entre la ERI y la discriminación, de modo que en niveles altos de discriminación, la afirmación (confirmación) de la ERI se relacionó más fuertemente con la afirmación y exploración de la USI. Por el contrario, a medida que aumentaba el estrés bicultural, la exploración de la ERI se relacionaba menos fuertemente con la exploración de la USI. En conjunto, estos resultados ponen en evidencia los factores importantes que contribuyen al desarrollo de la USI entre las poblaciones hispanas/latinas.
... Acculturative stress is common among immigrants and sojourners. Previous studies have shown that these difficulties may contribute to reductions in an individual's psychological [10,11] and physical health [12,13]. ...
Understanding the cross-cultural adaptation of students studying in foreign countries by exploring acculturative stress factors is crucial to ensure the smooth academic performance of the students and, in turn, to enhance the global reputation of their universities. Therefore, it is an area of interest for the authorities (Ministry) and the corresponding management of universities. Using a random sample of 138 international students in China, descriptive and logistic regressions were conducted to assess the levels and influence of acculturative stress factors on cross-cultural adaptation, specifically on international students' sense of security and belonging during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. The results revealed that students were most concerned about homesickness, which obtained the highest mean score. The regression results indicated that the perception of fear and discrimination significantly impacted international students' sense of security. The perception of fear, guilt, and how long the student stayed in China also significantly affected the sense of belonging. We argue that the reflections provided herein are essential for universities to improve how they manage and handle international students to mitigate the effects of acculturative stress, particularly when additional stressful conditions are present, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
... how one integrates cultural identities also influences well-being. In a sample of Hispanic university students, the hybrid, but not alternating, identity style was found to predict fewer internalizing and externalizing symptoms, whereas the alternating identity style buffered the negative effect of acculturative stress on externalizing symptoms over time 156 . ...
Intercultural contact produces changes in an individual's culturally grounded beliefs, behaviours and identities, a process known as acculturation. In this Review, we outline the process of acculturation with reference to cultural identity, a type of social identity that includes ethnic, national, and religious identities. We begin by critically reviewing developmental, social, and cross-cultural approaches to the development, negotiation, organization and integration of multiple cultural identities. Next, we highlight microlevel, mesolevel and macrolevel contextual influences on these dynamic processes. Then we review evidence concerning the relationship between cultural identities and well-being and possible explanatory mechanisms for their association. We conclude by summarizing points of agreement across cross-cultural, social and developmental perspectives on cultural identity, noting challenges to advancing the field and making recommendations for future research.
... Racialized stressors that are associated with pain disparities are therefore underrepresented in this data set and may differentially influence stress reactivity. 15,28,30,38,69,70 In addition, recent or general experiences of stress were not assessed and controlled for; it is possible that those higher in SPSR encounter more stressors in their lives, influencing and overwhelming their vigilance for and response to stress. However, previous research demonstrates that perceptions of personal stress responses predict future health outcomes independently from the stressor itself, although outcomes are most likely among those who report both high levels of stress and SPSR. ...
Introduction:
Experiencing stress can contribute to unfavorable pain experiences, but outcomes vary across individuals. Evidence suggests that a person's specific reactivity to stressful events may influence pain responses. Previous studies measuring physiological stress reactivity have found associations with pain both clinically and in the laboratory. However, the time and cost required for testing physiological stress reactivity may limit clinical application.
Objective:
Self-reported perception of one's own stress reactivity has been shown to correlate with physiological stress reactivity in relation to health outcomes and may represent a valuable tool in clinical pain assessment.
Methods:
Using data from the Midlife in the US survey, we selected participants who did not have chronic pain at baseline (n = 1512) and who had data at follow-up 9 years later. Stress reactivity was assessed using a subscale of the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire. We conducted a binary logistic regression to determine the odds of developing chronic pain, controlling for demographics and other health-related variables.
Results:
Results indicate that higher reported stress reactivity at baseline increased the odds of developing chronic pain at follow-up (odds ratio (OR) = 1.085, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.021, 1.153), P = 0.008), with the only other significant predictor being the number of chronic conditions (OR = 1.118, 95% CI (1.045, 1.197), P = 0.001).
Conclusion:
Findings provide evidence for the predictive criterion validity of self-reported stress reactivity in the context of chronic pain risk. More generally, with increased need for virtual assessment and care, self-reported stress reactivity may be a useful, time-efficient, and cost-efficient tool for predicting pain outcomes in research and clinical contexts.
... Recognition of frame switching may lead some Multicultural people to experience compartmentalization or alternation, the experience of keeping one's cultural identities separate and contextspecific (Yampolsky et al., 2016; also see, Downie et al., 2006). However, there is debate over the extent to which frame switching and alternating identities are bound versus independent, with some researchers pointing to instances of highly integrated Multicultural people still frame switching and the moderating role of identity integration and authenticity on the relative positive versus negative outcomes of frame switching (Firat & Noels, 2021;Hong & Schmidt, 2021;Meca et al., 2019;Szabó et al., 2020;Ward et al., 2021). ...
Most research has investigated Multiracial and Multicultural populations as separate topics, despite demographic and experiential overlap between these. This Element bridges that divide by reviewing and comparing Multiracial and Multicultural research to date-their origins, theoretical and methodological development, and key findings in identity negotiation, socialization, and discrimination-to identify points of synthesis and differentiation to guide future research. It highlights challenges researchers face when studying these populations because such research topics necessitate that one moves beyond previous frameworks and theories to grapple with identity as flexible, malleable, and influenced both by internal factors and external perceptions. The areas of overlap and difference are meaningful and illustrate the social constructive nature of race and culture, which is always in flux and being re-defined.
... Bicultural stress arises from simultaneous pressures to (a) adopt the dominant cultural pattern of the society in which one lives and (b) retain the cultural heritage of one's ethnic/racial community of origin. Because it involves pressures to "choose" between cultures, bicultural stress has been shown to relate to depressive symptoms (Ward et al., 2021), physical aggression and rule-breaking (Forster et al., 2015), and substance use (Meca et al., 2020). ...
The present study was designed to examine the extent to which, in a sample of 873 Hispanic college students, daily levels of, and variability in, well-being would mediate the predictive effects of culturally related stressors (discrimination, negative context of reception, and bicultural stress) on internalizing and externalizing symptoms 11 days later. A 12-day daily diary design was utilized, where reports of cultural stressors were gathered on Day 1, daily well-being reports were gathered on Days 2-11, and outcomes were measured on Day 12 (with controls for Day 1 levels of these same outcomes). Structural equation modeling results indicated that daily means of, and variability in, well-being significantly mediated the predictive effect of Day 1 ethnic/racial discrimination, negative context of reception, and bicultural stress on Day 12 symptoms of anxiety and depression. No effects emerged for externalizing symptoms. When we decomposed the latent well-being variability construct into its component indicators (self-esteem, life satisfaction, psychological well-being/self-acceptance, and eudaimonic well-being), daily variability in life satisfaction and self-acceptance appeared to be primarily responsible for the mediated predictive effects we observed. These results are discussed in terms of implications for further research, for counseling practice, and for the development of more inclusive university practices and policies. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
... The realization of cultural identity depends on rational cognition, emotional identity, belief guidance, and practical reinforcement of the related objects. For the special group of college students, cultural identity is also reflected in the concept and behavior of innovation and entrepreneurship (Chan, 2017;Ward et al., 2021). In many speeches, General Secretary Xi also stressed the importance of Chinese traditional culture and its significance in establishing world outlook, outlook on life, and values. ...
The purpose of this study was to analyze the current situation of the entrepreneurial consciousness of college student entrepreneurs and to explore the role of innovative and entrepreneurial talents in social and economic development. Based on the teaching concept of Chinese excellent traditional culture, first, the relevant theories of innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as the characteristics of entrepreneurial talents in colleges and entrepreneurs, are analyzed and elaborated; moreover, the definition of college student entrepreneur is explained; then, from the perspective of entrepreneurial teaching management, entrepreneurial education, and place support, the questionnaire method is selected to show the understanding of the entrepreneurship of college students; finally, based on the Cobb-Douglas function, the model before and after the introduction of innovative and entrepreneurial talents is tested and analyzed. Investigation and analysis suggest that most college students have entrepreneurial intention, and 61.5% of them choose to start their own business after having working experience; the relative freedom of time and space is the main factor to attract college students to start their own businesses, accounting for 42.3%; 69.3% of college students think that capital is a restricting factor for entrepreneurship, while 76.2% think that lack of experience is a major restricting factor for entrepreneurship; college students have a certain demand for entrepreneurship training and guidance from the school, especially in the setting of entrepreneurship incubation park and resource pool; the characteristics of entrepreneurship, professional skills, and interpersonal resources are more crucial for college students; most college students have a positive cognition of the excellent traditional Chinese teaching concepts; the analysis based on the Cobb-Douglas function reveals that the introduction of innovative and entrepreneurial talents can promote economic development. This exploration has a positive effect on the cultivation of awareness of college students of entrepreneurship and innovation, as well as the relationship discussion between the introduction of innovative and entrepreneurial talents and social economy.
... The mainstream acculturation research that focuses on immigrants' settlement into a new, usually Western, cultural environment has consistently demonstrated the importance of language and identity for immigrants' integration into a new cultural environment (e.g. Berry, 2005;Nguyen & Benet-Martínez, 2013;Ward et al., 2021). However, little research has paid attention to the cultural adaptation of people from previously colonized places who migrated to their motherland. ...
The mainstream acculturation research focuses on international students and immigrants’ settlement in a new cultural environment, but little is known about the adaptation process of people from postcolonial areas relocating to their home country. Drawing from research on acculturation and postcolonial studies, this research examined the importance of language and social identity of Macao Chinese (N = 102; 50 males, Mage = 20.1) transitioning to universities in Mainland China. The results of path analysis showed that Chinese national identity and perceived Mandarin language proficiency were positively associated with each other, but they were linked to cultural adaptation through different paths. Perceived language proficiency was directly linked to social, academic, and psychological adaptation, whereas Chinese identity was indirectly associated with social and academic adaptation through acculturation to the Mainland Chinese culture. Moreover, academic adaptation was, in turn, associated with academic achievement (i.e., GPAs). The present study extends acculturation research to a postcolonial context, highlighting that national identity and language proficiency are important factors for successful cultural adaptation to the homeland. The theoretical and practical implications regarding intra-cultural adaptation barriers and processes in postcolonial contexts were discussed.
Understanding the experiences of unaccompanied youths in refugee foster care is important to tailor such systems to support the complex needs and desires of these youth. This instrumental case study sought to understand how a cohort of unaccompanied refugee youth experience refugee foster care as they navigate the “in‐betweenness” of adolescence. Eight youth (ages 17–21) from Guatemala and Honduras, nine foster parents, and two staff were interviewed. A constructivist grounded theory analytic approach was implemented, which resulted in a substantive theory, Growing up to be independent but alone: Navigating tension between paths . This tension results from youth being pulled to adult and child‐like paths by different forces. As youth come of age in the United States, they are expected to fulfill the US vision of adulthood by becoming independent and self‐sufficient. However, definitions of adulthood in their cultures of origin involve interdependence and the responsibility to provide for their families. They experience the pressure to become independent as being alone. Findings underscore the need for comprehensive support systems tailored to address the unique challenges faced by unaccompanied youth during their complex migration journey and transition into independence.
Günümüzde göç ve küreselleşmenin boyutu ve hızı, farklı kültürler hakkındaki bilgi birikimini ve kültürler arası etkileşimi her zamankinden fazla etkilemektedir. Artan kültürlerarası temas, bireylerin kimlik anlayışını yeniden şekillendirerek, kültürel kimlik deneyimlerinin ve ifade ediliş biçimlerinin çeşitlenmesine yol açmaktadır. Kültürleşme teorisi ve sonraki araştırmalar, bireylerin sadece köken/etnik kültürü veya ulusal/ev sahibi kültürü benimsemekle kalmayıp, her iki kültüre de aynı anda değer verebileceklerini (bütünleşme) göstermektedi. Son dönemlerdeki araştırmalar ise, farklı ve bazen çatışmalı olan bu kültürlere ait kimliklerin benlik içerisinde nasıl yönetildiğine odaklanmaktadır. Bu makale, çok kültürlülük deneyimini kimlik düzeyinde tanımlamayı ve çok kültürlü kimliklerin yönetimi ile ilgili en son teorik ilerlemeleri gözden geçirmeyi amaçlamaktadır. İnceleme sonucunda, çok kültürlülük deneyimini daha iyi anlayabilmek için ne olduğundan çok nasıl başarıldığına odaklanmanın gerekliliği savunulmaktadır. Ayrıca, çok kültürlü kimliklerin başarılı yönetiminde kültürel kimliklerin uyumlu bir sentez haline getirilmesinin ve süreç temelli yaklaşımların vurgulanmasının önemi belirtilmektedir.
In the modern world, the processes of globalization, migration, increased social mobility, the availability of tourism and other ways of meeting cultures lead to the activation of intercultural communication. More and more people become bearers of more than one culture (biculturals). The choice of an identity model in scientific publications is often considered as a result of environmental influences, but intrapsychic factors, including cognitive styles, are not sufficiently considered. Existing studies give a rather vague picture. The purpose of this work is to generalize the available data on the role of the cognitive component in the identification processes, to identify possible predictors of hybrid and alternative identification, to build a model of the influence of cognitive factors on the choice of an identification model. The author's hypothetical model of cognitive predictors of hybrid or alternative identity (in the schema format) is proposed. We see further prospects for working on the problem in the empirical testing of the proposed model.
Culture is well recognized as an important basis for understanding psychological processes and behavior. Culturally informed research in psychology continues to supplement and challenge traditional knowledge in mainstream psychology in many ways, making culture a major topic of relevance for students and professionals in all areas of psychology. This second edition of the Oxford Handbook of Culture and Psychology conveys the impact that the contributions of cultural and cross-cultural psychology have made to the field’s understanding of the relation between culture and psychology. Divided into six parts, this book provides a unique account of the current state of cultural and cross-cultural psychology across a wide range of topics at the highest scholarly level. The chapters in this volume, written by leading scholars in the field, represent topics most relevant to culture and psychology, most exemplary of the work in the entire field, and most representative of the evolution of cross-cultural method and knowledge. Each chapter presents state-of-the art reviews of the theoretical and empirical literature in each topic area, going well beyond encyclopedic reviews of the existing research to objectively evaluate the literature. All contributors also present their visions of the future in their areas and outline work to guide researchers in future decades. While some chapters are careful updates from the first edition of this book, others are completely new rewrites given the evolution of new research. Nine other chapters are entirely new to this edition. In all, the book represents the collective wisdom of the leading thinkers and researchers in cultural and cross-cultural psychology. It is the only resource of its kind in the field and will serve as a valuable reference and guide for beginning researchers and scholars alike.
The Bicultural Identity Integration Scale (BIIS-2) and the Multicultural Identity Styles Scale (MISS) were designed to assess different aspects of bicultural identity. The BIIS-2 captures characteristics of a bicultural identity in the domains of affect (harmony vs. conflict) and cognition (blendedness vs. compartmentalization). The MISS measures 2 distinct strategies (hybrid and alternating identity styles) used to achieve and maintain a bicultural identity. The aims of the present study were to investigate the factor structures of MISS and BIIS-2 scores using confirmatory factor analysis and to examine potential construct overlap between the 2 measures using exploratory structural equation modeling. Measures were administered twice (11 days apart) to a sample of 836 Hispanic young adults in the United States. Confirmatory factor analytic results supported the 2-factor structure of the MISS. The BIIS-2 items patterned onto 4 factors: harmony, conflict, blendedness, and compartmentalization. Configural, metric, and scalar equivalence of the factor structures of both measures were established across time. The exploratory structural equation modeling indicated no salient cross-loadings between the MISS and the BIIS-2 subscales, and this independence was consistent across time. Interfactor correlations indicated a strong, positive relationship between the hybrid identity style and BII-blendedness subscales. Scores on the alternating identity style subscale were positively related to the BII-conflict, BII-compartmentalization, and BII-blendedness subscales. Overall, findings provide evidence for the construct validity of the MISS and its empirical distinctiveness from the BIIS-2 and suggest a 4-factor structure for the BIIS-2.
Background:
The Acculturative Process and Context Framework (Ward & Geeraert, 2016) proposes that acculturative stressors influence psychological well-being over time. In fact, extant literature has linked bicultural stress with psychological functioning; yet, no studies have explored the causal dominance of bicultural stress. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the directionality of prospective relations among bicultural stress and psychosocial functioning (i.e., depressive symptoms, hopefulness, and self-esteem) in Latinx immigrant adolescents across 5 waves.
Method:
There were 303 Latinx adolescents who were recruited for this study from Los Angeles and Miami and were assessed across 5 waves at 6-month intervals. Adolescents were 14.50 years old on average (SD = .88) and 53.16% were male. Adolescents reported living in the United States for 2.07 years on average (SD = 1.87). A Random-Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Model (RI-CLPM) was used to examine the between- and within-person relations among bicultural stress, depressive symptoms, hopefulness, and self-esteem in a comprehensive model.
Results:
The comprehensive RI-CLPM including bicultural stress, depressive symptoms, hopefulness, and self-esteem exhibited excellent model fit. Between-person, trait-like relations among constructs ranged from small to large, as expected. Within-person, cross-lagged estimates among constructs were overall inconsistent, with some evidence that, within individuals, self-esteem influences later hopefulness.
Conclusion:
Findings from this study indicate that the RI-CLPM is an effective strategy to examine bicultural stress and well-being processes among adolescents. There is a need for further research examining bicultural stress among Latinx immigrant youth, particularly within prevention and intervention studies. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
Hybrid and alternating identity styles are dynamic strategies that members of immigrant and ethnic minority groups use to maintain multiple cultural identities. Although research shows that the two strategies predict different outcomes for cultural identity development and psychological well-being, less is known about their antecedents. The present study investigated the temporal relationship between intercultural abilities (i.e., intercultural effectiveness) and the activation of hybrid and alternating identity styles in a community sample of Filipino and Indian New Zealanders. Cross-lagged analysis indicated that intercultural abilities positively predicted the hybrid identity style and negatively predicted the alternating identity style. Cultural identity styles were not predictive of intercultural abilities over time. Multigroup analysis indicated equivalence of regression paths across ethnic groups. Findings suggest that intercultural abilities function as an antecedent of cultural identity styles.
There is a growing recognition for the need for research to explore the unique and interactive effects of acculturation and sociocultural stress on alcohol initiation. Building on this research agenda, the current study sought to explore the independent and interactive effects of acculturation (i.e., heritage and U.S. cultural practices and identification) and sociocultural stress (i.e., perceived discrimination, perceived context of reception, and bicultural stress) on alcohol initiation among recently immigrated Hispanic adolescents. Data were taken from a 6-wave longitudinal study with 302 recently immigrated Hispanic adolescents (53% boys; Mage = 14.51 years at baseline; range = 14-17 years) and their families. Discrete-time survival models indicated that none of the acculturation indicators directly predicted alcohol initiation. Sociocultural stress-and specifically, bicultural stress- predicted alcohol initiation. There were significant interactions between acculturation and sociocultural stress in predicting alcohol initiation. Further research considering multiple components of acculturation and sociocultural stressors is needed to broaden our understanding of the potential role of sociocultural processes in alcohol initiation among Hispanic youth. © 2019 Global Alliance for Behavioral Health and Social Justice.
Although studies have explored how cultural identity impacts young people’s daily lives, these studies have exclusively focused on daily variability in cultural identity salience, overlooking daily variability in the underlying developmental processes. In the present study, we used a 12-day daily assessment conducted with 873 Hispanic college students to address these gaps by examining daily variability in ethnic and U.S. belonging, exploring between-person variability in the daily associations of ethnic and U.S. belonging with well-being, and identifying whether centrality predicts between-person variability in daily levels of these processes and their relation to well-being. Results indicated significant changes in ethnic and U.S belonging on a daily basis. Despite the positive average within-person associations between ethnic belonging and well-being, results indicated significant variability. Finally, centrality also significantly predicted between-person variability in the daily levels of these cultural processes and the within-person associations. Implications for future research are discussed. © 2018 Society for the Study of Emerging Adulthood and SAGE Publishing.
The present meta‐analysis integrates results from 310 longitudinal studies on associations of the attainment of 10 developmental tasks with psychological symptoms (e.g., internalizing or externalizing symptoms, anxiety, and depression). Higher initial success with getting access to a peer group, building friendships, preparing for a future career, body acceptance, as well as developing a personal identity, a value system, and socially responsible behavior predicted lower levels of symptoms at follow‐up and stronger declines of symptoms over time when controlling for initial symptom levels. Furthermore, higher initial symptom levels predicted lower attainment of these tasks at follow‐up as well as lower progress in task attainment. In contrast, more initial romantic/sexual involvement predicted an increase in symptoms over time, while higher initial symptoms were related to an increase in romantic/sexual involvement. Associations with autonomy varied between different forms of autonomy, while acquisition of a gender role was not related with psychological symptoms.
This paper reports on the complex ways in which immigrant young adults make sense of their Americanized ethnic and racial identities. The analysis draws on a large set of in-depth interviews (N = 233) collected with immigrants between the ages of 18 and 29 across three regions in the US (California, New York, and Minnesota) in the early 2000s and is in dialogue with emerging new theories of immigrant incorporation which combine the insights of traditional assimilation and racialization frameworks. The identity narratives that emerge from these interviews demonstrate the overarching significance of racial and ethnic identification for young adults across various immigrant communities. The narratives also highlight some of the contextual factors involved in the construction of an ethnic identity in the US such as experiences with discrimination; or the presence of co-ethnic communities. The final substantive section explores how young American immigrants in the transition to adulthood attempt to cultivate hybrid, bicultural identities that balance their American-ness with the ongoing experience of living in a deeply racialized society. The paper concludes by discussing implications for the literature on identity formation and the transition to adulthood as well as on the immigrant incorporation experience.
Latinx families can experience cultural stressors, which can negatively influence their emotional and behavioral health. Few studies have examined if perceived neighborhood characteristics buffer against or exacerbate the negative effects of cultural stress on adolescent and parent health outcomes. To address this gap in the literature, this study investigated how parent (social cohesion, informal social control, extent of problems) and adolescent (support) perceived neighborhood factors moderated the associations of parent and adolescent cultural stress with parent and adolescent emotional and behavioral well-being. Data came from waves 1 and 3 of a six-wave longitudinal survey with 302 recent immigrant Latinx adolescents (47% female, Mage = 14.51 years) and their parents (74% mothers, Mage = 41.09 years). Results indicated that when parents reported low levels of neighborhood problems, adolescent cultural stress did not predict adolescent health risk behaviors. However, adolescent and parent cultural stress predicted higher levels of adolescents’ sense of hope when parents perceived low levels of neighborhood problems. Furthermore, adolescent and parent cultural stress predicted higher youth depressive symptoms and health risk behaviors when positive neighborhood factors (informal social control, social cohesion) were high. Similarly, adolescent and parent cultural stress predicted lower adolescents’ sense of hope and self-esteem when positive neighborhood factors were high. These findings indicate that efforts to reduce the negative effects of cultural stress on youth emotional and behavioral health may benefit from combating neighborhood problems. Results further indicate that research is needed to clarify unexpected findings. Directions for future research are discussed.
Bicultural Identity Integration (BII) is an individual difference construct that captures variations in the experience of biculturalism. Using multiple samples in a series of steps, we refined BII measurement and then tested the construct in a diverse sample of bicultural individuals. Specifically, we wrote new BII items based on qualitative data (n = 108), examined the quality of the new measure using subject-matter experts (n = 23) and bicultural individuals (n = 5), and then collected validation data from bicultural college students (n = 1049). We used exploratory factor analyses to select items and explore BIIS-2 structure with a random subset of the larger sample (n = 600), confirmatory factor analyses to show that the factor structure fit the data well (n = 449), and multigroup confirmatory factor analyses to demonstrate measurement invariance in two ethnic and two generational groups. Results showed that the Bicultural Identity Integration Scale–Version 2 (BIIS-2) yielded reliable and stable scores. The data also revealed interesting and important patterns of associations with theoretically relevant constructs: personality, acculturation, and psychological well-being. Additionally, structural equation models confirmed that in general, personality and acculturation variables influence individuals’ experiences with their dual cultural identities, which in turn influence adjustment, but there were interesting and important generational differences in how these variables were related. These findings lend support for the validity of BIIS-2 score interpretations; add to our understanding of the sociocultural, personality, and adjustment correlates of the bicultural experience; and have important implications for understanding the well-being of bicultural individuals.
Globally, there have been increasing numbers of migrant women; these women are at an increased risk for depressive symptoms. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations among acculturation, acculturative stress and depressive symptoms in Vietnamese women who migrated to South Korea through marriages. We hypothesized that acculturative stress would serve as a mediator in the relationship between acculturation and depressive symptoms. Our findings from surveys with 217 Vietnamese immigrant women showed that the indirect effect of acculturation on depressive symptoms, mediated through acculturative stress [− .15 (.04)], was significant (bias corrected 95% confidence interval for the indirect effect = − .25, − .08). Low levels of acculturation increased acculturative stress, which in turn led to the elevated symptoms of depression. Our findings not only illuminate the adaptation processes of international, female migrants but also suggest avenues to protect and promote their mental well-being.
Although cross-cultural research suggests that the development and functionality of secondary coping strategies are substantially influenced by the broader cultural context, research findings are not completely conclusive. Some studies indicate that secondary coping is more adaptive for Asian participants compared to Westerners, while others emphasize the adaptability of the coping style in Asian, but not Western, contexts. The main objective of the present study was to systematically test for ethnic and contextual differences in the effectiveness of secondary strategies (measured in the form of acceptance and positive reinterpretation) in reducing the negative effects of acculturative stress on somatic symptoms with samples of international students. A 3-month longitudinal study was conducted in two different contexts: 1) Asian and Western international students in China (Asians: n = 53; Westerners: n = 51) and 2) similar groups in New Zealand (Asians: n = 61; Westerners: n = 65). The data were subjected to a hierarchical regression analysis with changes in psychological symptoms functioning as the dependent variable. Findings indicated that stress, secondary coping, and cultural context significantly interacted in predicting changes in somatic symptoms. Specifically, secondary coping exacerbated the negative effects of acculturative stress on psychological adjustment in New Zealand. In contrast, secondary coping functioned as a buffer in China, such that it was effective at reducing the negative impact of stress over time. Findings indicated that ethnicity did not significantly moderate the stress-coping-adjustment relationship. Our results show that the effectiveness of secondary coping varies as a function of the cultural context.
Research has found a strong inverse association between discrimination and health and well-being. Most of these studies have been conducted among African-Americans, and have examined the relationship at the individual-level. To fill these gaps in knowledge we estimated the prevalence of perceived discrimination among a nationally representative sample of Latino adults in the US, and investigated the association between state-level anti-immigrant policies and perceived discrimination. We merged survey data with a state-level anti-immigrant policy index. First, we fit hierarchical logistic regression models to test the crude and adjusted association between anti-immigrant policies and perceived discrimination. Second, we specified cross-level interaction terms to test whether this association differed by relevant individual characteristics. Almost 70% of respondents reported discrimination (68.4%). More anti-immigrant policies were associated with higher levels of discrimination (OR=1.62, 95% CI 1.16, 2.24, p=0.01). The association between anti-immigrant policies and discrimination differed by place of origin (p=0.001) and was marginally moderated by generation status (p=0.124). Anti-immigrant policies stigmatize both foreign and US-born Latinos by creating a hostile social environment which affects their experiences of discrimination. These non-health policies can adversely affect Latino health, in part through exposure to discrimination, and may help explain health patterns among Latinos in the US.
The research examined the influence of family climate on acculturative stress and adaptation for Muslim emerging adults in New Zealand (n = 155) and the United Kingdom (n = 147). A path model was proposed with family climate (congruence and obligations) as predictors of acculturative stress and having both direct and indirect (via stress) effects on life satisfaction and behavioral problems. The model was tested in order to determine if paths varied significantly as a function of national context. Although New Zealand Muslims had better adaptation outcomes and lower levels of stress than their British peers, there were very few differences in the family climate-stress-adaptation pathways. Acculturative stress predicted decrements in life satisfaction and greater behavioral problems, and obligations predicted fewer behavioral problems in both cultural contexts. Also, in both countries, the structural pathways in the model were not significantly different across cultures with the exception of the positive relationship between obligations and life satisfaction, which was only evident in the New Zealand sample. For Muslim emerging adults, family obligations functioned as a protective factor, exerting direct effects on adaptation (increased life satisfaction and decreased behavioral problems), although they also posed risks, predicting poorer adaptation via heightened acculturative stress. The results are discussed in terms of the positive and negative influences of family in the acculturation process for emerging adults.
This chapter discusses the psychological and societal processes involved in the phenomenon of multiculturalism. An emphasis is placed on reviewing and integrating relevant findings and theories stemming from cultural, personality, and social psychology. The chapter includes sections devoted to defining multiculturalism at the individual, group, and societal level, discussing the links between acculturation and multiculturalism, how to best operationalize and measure multicultural identity, the issue of individual differences in multicultural identity, and the possible psychological and societal benefits of multiculturalism. The chapter concludes with a discussion of future challenges and needed directions in the psychological study of multiculturalism.
Objectives: The research investigating how one’s multiple cultural identities are configured within the self has yet to account for existing cultural identity configurations aside from integration, and for identifying with more than 2 cultural groups at once. The current research addresses these issues by constructing the Multicultural Identity Integration Scale (MULTIIS) to examine 3 different multicultural identity configurations, and their relationship to well-being based on Amiot and colleagues’ (2007) cognitive-developmental model of social identity integration (CDSMII). Method: Diverse samples of multicultural individuals completed the MULTIIS along with identity and well-being measures. (Study 1A: N = 407; 1B: N = 310; 2A = 338 and 2A = 254) Results: Reliability and confirmatory factorial analyses (Studies 1A and 2A) all supported the factorial structure of the MULTIIS. Regression analyses (Studies 1B and 2B) confirmed that the integration subscale of the MULTIIS positively predicted well-being, whereas compartmentalization negatively predicted well-being. Categorization was inconsistently related to well-being. Conclusions: These findings support the CDSMII and the usefulness of the MULTIIS measure, and suggest that each identity configuration is uniquely related to well-being outcomes.
The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between acculturation-related variables with depressive symptomatology among Latino college students and the extent to which acculturative stress mediates the association. The extent to which gender moderates these relationships was also examined. Participants were 758 Latina and 264 Latino college students from 30 colleges and universities around the United States. Participants completed measures of acculturation, acculturative stress, and depression. Multigroup path analysis provided excellent model fit and suggested moderation by gender. Acculturative stress mediated the acculturation– depression relationship. One indirect effect was moderated by gender with effects stronger for men: Heritage-culture retention to depressive symptoms via Spanish Competency Pressures. Acculturation and acculturative stress contribute to depression differently for male and female Latino college students. Future research should note the influence of gender socialization on the acculturation process and mental health.
The Multidimensional Acculturative Stress Inventory (MASI), a 36-item measure that assesses acculturative stress among people of Mexican origin living in the United States, was tested on 331 adolescent (14–20 years of age) high school students (204 female, 127 male) of Mexican origin. Exploratory factor analyses yielded 4 factors: bicultural practices conflict (9 items), Spanish competency pressures (8 items), English competency pressures (8 items), and bicultural self-consciousness (2 items). These factors accounted for 59.5% of the variance and correlated in the expected directions with criterion measures of acculturation and the Psychological General Well-Being Schedule. Bicultural practices conflict and bicultural self-consciousness emerged as the first and fourth factors for adolescents, which differed from the last 2 factors observed in a previous study of adults by Rodriguez, Myers, Mira, Flores, and Garcia-Hernandez (2002)—pressure to acculturate and pressure against acculturation. Comparisons of the MASI factor structures between adolescents and adults also revealed that English competency pressures and Spanish competency pressures played a prominent role for both adolescents in this study and adults in the study by Rodriguez et al. (2002). The congruence and difference in factor structure of the MASI between adolescents and adults indicates that both groups experience acculturative stress because of English- and Spanish-language competency pressures, but adolescents differentially experience difficulties in negotiating between American and Latino practices and identities. The results highlight the importance of assessing acculturative stress from both Latino and American culture and recognizing the varying levels of these sources of acculturative stress by generation.
Adolescent aggression and delinquency impede healthy adjustment in early adulthood and may have particularly serious long-term consequences for minority youth. Therefore, prevention research should examine these behaviors within a sociocultural framework among newer immigrant samples to determine whether, and how, adaptation to life in the US affects these behaviors. This study investigated the role of two sociocultural variables–bicultural stress and negative context of reception–on changes in aggression and rule breaking behaviors over two time points among recently immigrated Hispanic adolescents residing in Los Angeles (N = 136) and Miami-Dade (N = 142) counties. Linear stepwise regression models were used to assess the associations between predictors and behavioral outcomes. Bicultural stress and negative context of reception both had independent associations, above and beyond parental involvement and delinquent peer associations, with changes in aggressive and rule-breaking behavior during the first year of high school. These findings suggest that social, cultural, and interpersonal processes all influence deviant behaviors in recent-immigrant Hispanic populations. We discuss the implications of these finding for prevention and intervention research and practice. We also recommend that future research continue to examine the role of these factors over the course of adolescence and consider sociocultural influences when designing behavioral interventions for Hispanic immigrant populations
Acculturative stress is a risk factor for depression, and may be important in the risk for depression among acculturating Japanese adolescents. However, little to no research has been published on the mental health of acculturating Japanese adolescents. Further, although family cohesion has been shown to be protective against depression across ethnic groups, no prior research has examined family cohesion as a protective factor for Japanese adolescents. To examine these relationships, 26 Japanese temporary resident adolescents and 76 parents in the Midwest were recruited to participate. Moderate to strong correlations between acculturative stress, depression, likelihood for and seriousness of family conflict were found. A regression analysis found that likelihood for family conflict moderated the relationship between acculturative stress and depression. Findings broaden our understanding of the role of acculturative stress and family conflict on depression risk for Japanese adolescent immigrants.
We argue that current acculturation research offers an incomplete picture of the psychological changes taking place in contemporary multicultural societies. Several characteristics of the Canadian multicultural context highlight the limitations in current acculturation research: namely, themes of hyper-diversity, hybridity, dimensionality and the importance of local context. Canada is a case in point, but these themes are generalizable to other contemporary multicultural contexts. To address the limitations of the traditional psychological acculturation paradigm, we propose an innovative research approach to study acculturation: the Cultural Day Reconstruction Method (C-DRM). We report on two studies that implemented this diary method, to demonstrate that this research tool (1) addresses theoretical critiques of current acculturation research and (2) captures some of the complexity of acculturation in contemporary multicultural contexts. The C-DRM was constructed in response to the local research environment but we hope it will become part of a new generation of tools for the contextual assessment of acculturation.
Biculturalism (having two cultures) is a growing social phenomenon that has received considerable attention in psychology in the last decade; however, the issue of what impact (if any) biculturalism has on individuals’ adjustment remains empirically unclear. To answer this question, we conducted a meta-analysis that included 83 studies, 322 rs, and 23,197 participants. Results based on the random-effects approach show a significant, strong, and positive association between biculturalism and adjustment (both psychological and sociocultural). This biculturalism- adjustment link is stronger than the association between having one culture (dominant or heritage) and adjustment. Thus, our results clearly invalidate early sociological accounts of this phenomenon, which portrayed bicultural individuals as “marginal” and stumped between two worlds. Analyses also indicate that the association between biculturalism and adjustment is moderated by how acculturation is measured, the adjustment domain, and sample characteristics.
This study aimed to disentangle the psychological mechanisms underlying immigrant status by testing a model of psychological protective and risk factors to predict the mental health prevalence rates among Latino and Asian American immigrants based on secondary analysis of the National Latino and Asian American Study. The first research question examined differences on the set of protective and risk factors between immigrants and their U.S.-born counterparts and found that immigrants reported higher levels of ethnic identity, family cohesion, native language proficiency, and limited English proficiency than their U.S.-born counterparts. The second research question examined the effect of the protective and risk factors on prevalence rates of depressive, anxiety, and substance-related disorders and found that social networking served as a protective factor. Discrimination, acculturative stress, and family conflict were risk factors on the mental health for both ethnic groups. Clinical implications and directions for future research are provided.
The four personality outcomes classified by Mar-cia 's idenltity-status paradigm are conceptualized in terms of three styles of per sonial pr-oblem solvilng atid decision making: (a) An Information Orientation involves actively sear-chingfor, elaborating, and evaluating issue-relevant iniformation; (b) A Normative Orientation focuses on internalized conventions, standards, and expectations; (c) A Diffuse Orientation is characterized by avoiding or procrastinating until the affective cues in a given situation dictate behavioral reactions. Thie validity of a self-report measure of these styles was examined in two studies. The results indicated that the style measures were related to identity-status scores and other personality measures in a theoretically conisistent fashioni. The findin7gs suggest thal a style conceptualization of identity may be useful, especially in the context of life-span identity crises.
According to Lay and Nguyen(1998), in addition to the general daily hassles encountered by most people, immigrants often face chronic difficulties specific to the acculturation experience, including conflicts with family members, members of the ethnic ingroup, and members of ethnic outgroups. Moreover, it has been suggested that the children of immigrants born in Canada (i.e., second-generation immigrants) may experience different acculturative stressors from their parents (i.e.. first-generation immigrants). This study examined general and acculturation-related daily hassles in 74 first- and second-generation South Asians in Canada, Participants completed a questionnaire that assessed their experience of different types of daily hassles (general, family, ingroup, and outgroup), acculturation attitudes, and level of psychological adjustment. Second-generation individuals reported significantly more ingroup hassles and marginally lower self-esteem than first-generation immigrants. For first-generation immigrants, more ingroup hassles predicted greater depression, and for second-generation individuals, increased ingroup hassles predicted lower self-esteem and more outgroup hassles predicted greater depression. The results emphasize the importance of considering the acculturation experience of second-generation individuals as being unique to that of first-generation immigrants.
Objectives:
This article examines the antecedents and consequences of bullying victimization among a sample of Hispanic high school students. Although cultural and familial variables have been examined as potential risk or protective factors for substance use and depression, previous studies have not examined the role of peer victimization in these processes. We evaluated a conceptual model in which cultural and familial factors influenced the risk of victimization, which in turn influenced the risk of substance use and depression.
Design:
Data were collected as part of a longitudinal survey study of 9th and 10th grade Hispanic/Latino students in Southern California (n = 1167). The student bodies were at least 70% Hispanic/Latino with a range of socioeconomic characteristics represented. We used linear and logistic regression models to test hypothesized relationships between cultural and familial factors and depression and substance use. We used a mediational model to assess whether bullying victimization mediated these associations.
Results:
Acculturative stress and family cohesion were significantly associated with bullying victimization. Family cohesion was associate d with depression and substance use. Social support was associated with alcohol use. Acculturative stress was associated with higher depression. The associations between acculturative stress and depression, family cohesion and depression, and family cohesion and cigarette use were mediated by bullying victimization.
Conclusion:
These findings provide valuable information to the growing, but still limited, literature about the cultural barriers and strengths that are intrinsic to the transition from adolescence to emerging adulthood among Hispanic youth. Our findings are consistent with a mediational model in which cultural/familial factors influence the risk of peer victimization, which in turn influences depressive symptoms and smoking, suggesting the potential positive benefits of school-based programs that facilitate the development of coping skills for students experiencing cultural and familial stressors.
We examined two conceptualizations of bicultural identity – the Bicultural Identity Integration (BII) framework (cultural identity blendedness-distance and harmony-conflict) and cultural hybridizing and alternating (mixing one’s two cultural identities and/or switching between them). Utilizing data from a 12-day diary study with 873 Hispanic college students, we examined three research questions: (1) cross-sectional and longitudinal intercorrelations among these biculturalism components, (2) links among daily variability in these biculturalism components, and (3) how this daily variability predicts well-being and mental health outcomes over time. Bicultural hybridizing was positively related to, and longitudinally predicted by, both BII blendedness and harmony. Daily fluctuation scores for BII blendedness, BII harmony, and bicultural hybridizing were strongly interrelated. Well-being was negatively predicted by fluctuations in hybridizing, whereas internalizing symptoms were positively predicted by fluctuations in blendedness. These results are discussed in terms of what biculturalism is and how best to promote it.
The article introduces the concept of cultural identity styles, strategies that individuals use for decision making about identity-relevant issues, and proposes that blending and alternating are two strategies that acculturating individuals activate to manage multiple cultural identities. Drawing on diverse samples from New Zealand, Mauritius, and Israel, we present two studies. The first describes the construction of the Multicultural Identity Styles Scale (MISS) and the validation of its Hybrid Identity Style (HIS) and Alternating Identity Style (AIS) subscales. HIS was associated with greater blendedness as assessed by the Bicultural Identity Integration Scale (BIIS-1) and was more prominent in second-generation immigrants compared with their first-generation peers. AIS was associated with less BIIS harmony and was stronger in first-generation immigrants. In the second study, we propose, test, and replicate a mediational model, whereby cultural identity outcomes mediate the impact of cultural identity styles on well-being. Path analysis demonstrated that the motivation to integrate predicted the use of both HIS and AIS;
however, HIS led to greater cultural identity consolidation and on to higher levels of well-being. In contrast, AIS predicted greater cultural identity conflict and poorer psychological adaptation. The studies advance our theorizing on biculturalism and integration by adopting a process-oriented approach to cultural identity negotiation.
Purpose: This systematic review of the literature informed of (a) the relationship between acculturation and acculturative stress, (b) examined the determinants of acculturative stress among Latino immigrants in the U.S., and (c) provided a conceptual framework that can be used to specify the interactive effect of various factors on acculturative stress.
Methods: Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), this review synthesized the results of thirty studies published between 2000 and 2015 that investigated the influence of several socio-demographic and cultural contexts on acculturative stress among Latino immigrants categorized using Family Stress Management (FSM) theory as a framework.
Results: Studied highlighted several protectors from and risks to acculturative stress. Historical context protective factors included having a choice over the decision to migrate and social support; risks included discrimination, family left abroad, and fear of deportation. Economic context protective factors included higher income. The development context protective factors included English skills, years in the U.S., and being married; risks included being female. Cultural context protective factors included being culturally competent and acculturation; risks included family-cultural conflict and ethnic enclave pressures. Internal context protectors included post-immigration religious coping, church attendance, and family values.
Implications: The results highlighted incorporating cultural aspects (i.e. family values and social support) in mental health practice with Latino immigrants. A less stressful integration experience can be achieved if age-related stressors and experiences of discrimination are acknowledged and the need for social support and harmonious family dynamics was prioritized in service plans.
This research extends our work on the conceptualization and measurement of cultural competencies with a revised bifactor measurement model of sociocultural adaptation (the Revised Sociocultural Adaptation Scale [SCAS-R]). Study 1 describes the initial development and validation of the SCAS-R with its Social Interaction, Community Engagement, and Ecological Adaptability domains of cultural competencies based on a mixed sample of short- and long-term migrants (N = 316). The construct validity of the revised scale was supported by significant correlations with social difficulties as assessed by the original Sociocultural Adaptation Scale; generic social skills; cultural intelligence; cultural engagement; international adjustment; and psychological adaptation: life satisfaction and depression. The bifactor model was confirmed in Study 2 with a sample of international students (N = 1,527). Results converged with previously established links between sociocultural adaptation and background variables (e.g., language proficiency), psychological adaptation, and situational factors such as cultural distance and perceived discrimination. Study 3 confirmed the predictive and incremental validity of the SCAS-R by investigating the influence of cultural competence on migration decision making in a varied sample of newly arrived migrants in New Zealand (N = 184). Cultural competence as assessed by the SCAS-R significantly explained additional variance in immigrants’ intention to settle permanently in New Zealand over and above migration motivations, social connectedness, life satisfaction, and language proficiency. Our findings address the limitations of the original SCAS measure, and offer initial validation of an improved measure for assessing the culturally competent behaviors required for appropriate, effective, and adaptive functioning in new cultural settings.
Situated within an international context of Islamophobia, this study examined acculturative stress, religious coping, and their interaction as predictors of subjective wellbeing in 167 New Zealand Muslims. A Muslim Religious Coping (MRC) scale was adapted for the purposes of this study, measuring religious coping across three domains of Cognitive, Behavioral, and Social MRC. Consistent with hypotheses: 1) acculturative stress predicted a lower level of Life Satisfaction and more psychological symptoms, and 2) Behavioral, Cognitive and Social MRC predicted greater Life Satisfaction. In addition, an interaction effect between Acculturative Stress and Behavioral MRC was found indicating that engaging in religious practices buffered the detrimental effects of acculturative stress on life satisfaction. Contrary to the hypotheses, however, MRC did not demonstrate a main or interaction effect on psychological symptoms. The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to positive and negative indicators of wellbeing, the importance of religious maintenance as a resource for acculturating Muslims living in a Western country, and the implications for counselors working with Muslim clients.
This study examined whether the acculturation of ethnic identity is first evident in more public situations with greater opportunity for intercultural interaction and eventually penetrates more intimate situations. It also investigated whether situational variations in identity are associated with cross-cultural adaptation. First-generation (G1), second-generation (G2) and mixed-parentage second-generation (G2.5) young adult Canadians (n = 137, n = 169, and n = 91, respectively) completed a questionnaire assessing their heritage and Canadian identities across four situational domains (family, friends, university and community), global heritage identity and cross-cultural adaptation. Consistent with the acculturation penetration hypothesis, the results showed Canadian identity was stronger than heritage identity in public domains, but the converse was true in the family domain; moreover, the difference between the identities in the family domain was attenuated in later generations. Situational variability indicated better adaptation for the G1 cohort, but poorer adaptation for the G2.5 cohort. For the G2 cohort, facets of global identity moderated the relation, such that those with a weaker global identity experienced greater difficulties and hassles with greater identity variability but those with a stronger identity did not. These results are interpreted in light of potential interpersonal issues implied by situational variation for each generation cohort.
© 2015 International Union of Psychological Science.
This study examined the relationships among the constructs of acculturative stress, depression, English language use, health literacy, and social support and the influence of these factors on health-seeking behaviors of Filipino Australians. Using a self-administered questionnaire, 552 respondents were recruited from November 2010 to June 2011. Structural equation modelling was used to examine relationships. A direct and negative relationship between health-seeking behaviors and depression, and an indirect relationship with acculturative stress, was observed mediated through depression. Social support had an important moderating influence on these effects. Although there was an inverse relationship between age and English language usage and depression, age was positively related to health-seeking behavior. Despite their long duration of stay, Filipino Australian migrants continue to experience acculturative stress and depression leading to lower health-seeking behaviors. This study highlights the importance of screening for acculturative stress and depression in migrants and fostering social support.
We investigated the psychological adaptation of Ingrian–Finnish migrants from Russia to Finland between 2008 and 2013. Pre-migration data (N = 225) were collected at the Finnish language courses that were part of the immigration training program. The three post-migration follow-ups were conducted half a year (N = 155), and 2 (N = 133) and 3 years (N = 85) after migration. Well-being was assessed with measures of Life Satisfaction and Self-Esteem. Life Satisfaction increased from pre-migration to the first post-migration measurement point, after which it stabilized. Self-Esteem decreased throughout the study. Variables reflecting adjustment to the event of migration (e.g., acculturation stress, socio-cultural adaptation) were primarily associated with well-being at the first post-migration measurement point. More general determinants of well-being (e.g., social support and subjective economic situation) were more consistently associated with well-being throughout the study. The results suggest that migration can be beneficial to some but detrimental to other types of well-being.
This study examined longitudinal effects of cultural stress (a latent factor comprised of bicultural stress, ethnic discrimination, and negative context of reception) on depressive symptoms and a range of externalizing behaviors among recently (≤5 years in the U.S. at baseline) immigrated Hispanic adolescents. A sample of 302 adolescents (53% boys; mean age 14.51 years) completed baseline measures of perceived ethnic discrimination, bicultural stress, and perceived negative context of reception; and outcome measures of depressive symptoms, cigarette smoking, alcohol use, aggressive behavior, and rule-breaking behavior six months post-baseline. A path analysis indicated that higher cultural stress scores predicted higher levels of all outcomes. These effects were consistent across genders, but varied by study site. Specifically, higher cultural stress scores increased depressive symptoms among participants in Miami, but not in Los Angeles. Findings suggest that cultural stress is a clinically relevant predictor of depressive symptoms and externalizing behaviors among Hispanic immigrant adolescents.
Copyright © 2015 The Foundation for Professionals in Services for Adolescents. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The present study was designed to examine acculturative changes, and their effects on mental health and family functioning, in recent-immigrant Hispanic adolescents. A sample of 302 Hispanic adolescents was assessed five times over a 2½-year period. Participants completed measures of Hispanic and U.S. practices, collectivist and individualist values, and ethnic and U.S. identity at each time point. Baseline and Time 5 levels of mental health and family functioning were also assessed. Latent class growth analyses produced two-class solutions for practices, values, and identifications. Adolescents who increased over time in practices and values reported the most adaptive mental health and family functioning. Adolescents who did not change in any acculturation domain reported the least favorable mental health and family functioning.
© 2015 The Authors. Child Development © 2015 Society for Research in Child Development, Inc.
In Berry's (1990, 1997) acculturation typology integration is defined by two core components - maintenance of traditional heritage culture and participation in the wider society. These components, underpinned by attitudes, behaviors and identities, are believed to contribute in an additive fashion to the psychological and sociocultural adaptation of immigrants and ethnic minorities, and international research has shown that integration generally leads to more positive outcomes than separation, assimilation or marginalization. This paper draws on an international program of research and describes four multi-method studies that raise and explore key questions about the process, assessment and context of integration and its relationship to adaptation. Three questions are posed for consideration: (1) How is the dynamic process of integration experienced and articulated by immigrants? (2) How do our conceptualization and measurement of identity as an aspect of heritage culture maintenance impact the additive model of integration and adaptation? and (3) Under what conditions does integration fail to be adaptive? Tentative answers are offered, and recommendations are made for future studies to guide the development of acculturation theory and research. (c) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
This study examined the effects of acculturation level and acculturative stress on depression among 500 Korean immigrants in the United States. Path analysis yielded a positive direct effect of acculturative stress and a negative indirect effect of acculturation level on depression. The path model supported a mediating role of acculturative stress in the relationship between acculturation level and depression. The results indicate that acculturative stress is the most significant proximal risk factor for depression and acculturation level is the second most important explaining factor for depression among Korean immigrants. Depression treatment for the Korean immigrant population, therefore, should be geared toward reducing acculturative stress and increasing level of acculturation.
The paper addresses criticisms of contemporary acculturation research by adopting a mixed method approach (open-ended survey responses, interviews, focus groups and projective techniques) to the study of the acculturation experiences of Muslim youth in New Zealand. The research explores: 1) the meaning, definition and achievement of success; 2) the process of negotiating multiple social identities; and 3) the graphic representation of identity. Thematic analysis indicated that young Muslims aspire to achieve success in personal, social, material and religious domains and that they seek to balance potentially competing demands from family, friends, the Muslim community and the wider society. At the same time they aspire to balance multiple identities, retaining religious and cultural elements in the definition of self while endeavoring to integrate into the wider society. The process of achieving this balance is characterized by three strategies: alternating orientations, blending orientations and minimizing differences. The findings are discussed in relation to advancing our understanding of integration as an acculturation option, and the community-based policy implications for multicultural societies are considered.
In this article, we introduce the concept of social identity complexity—a new theoretical construct that refers to an individual's subjective representation of the interrelationships among his or her multiple group identities. Social identity complexity reflects the degree of overlap perceived to exist between groups of which a person is simultaneously a member When the overlap of multiple ingroups is perceived to be high, the individual maintains a relatively simplified identity structure whereby memberships in different groups converge to form a single ingroup identification. When a person acknowledges, and accepts, that memberships in multiple ingroups are not fully convergent or overlapping, the associated identity structure is both more inclusive and more complex. In this article, we define the concept of social identity complexity and discuss its possible antecedents and consequences. Results from initial studies support the prediction that social identity complexity is affected by stress and is related to personal value priorities and to tolerance of outgroup members.
The CES-D scale is a short self-report scale designed to measure depressive symptomatology in the general population. The items of the scale are symptoms associated with depression which have been used in previously validated longer scales. The new scale was tested in household interview surveys and in psychiatric settings. It was found to have very high internal consistency and adequate test- retest repeatability. Validity was established by pat terns of correlations with other self-report measures, by correlations with clinical ratings of depression, and by relationships with other variables which support its construct validity. Reliability, validity, and factor structure were similar across a wide variety of demographic characteristics in the general population samples tested. The scale should be a useful tool for epidemiologic studies of de pression.
Beginning with the general ideas of testing hypotheses developed by Neyman and Pearson and using certain recent results of S. Kolodziejczyk, the problem of matched groups is discussed and a numerical illustration given. It is shown that the problem of matched groups may be generalized so that both a more detailed analysis of the experimental data and a greater accuracy of results is obtained. In treating this problem the idea of "region of significance" is introduced to educational and psychological investigations. The methods proposed, however, are quite general and not limited to problems in these fields. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
Introduction: Immigration and Settlement in Plural SocietiesAcculturation: Cultural and PsychologicalAcculturation Strategies in Immigrant Communities and National SocietiesResearch ExamplesImplications for Immigration and Settlement PoliciesReferences