A test of the domain-specific acculturation strategy hypothesis

Cultur Divers Ethnic Minor Psychol. 2013 Jan;19(1):1-12. doi: 10.1037/a0030499. Epub 2012 Nov 12.

Abstract

Acculturation literature has evolved over the past several decades and has highlighted the dynamic ways in which individuals negotiate experiences in multiple cultural contexts. The present study extends this literature by testing M. J. Miller and R. H. Lim's (2010) domain-specific acculturation strategy hypothesis-that individuals might use different acculturation strategies (i.e., assimilated, bicultural, separated, and marginalized strategies; J. W. Berry, 2003) across behavioral and values domains-in 3 independent cluster analyses with Asian American participants. Present findings supported the domain-specific acculturation strategy hypothesis as 67% to 72% of participants from 3 independent samples using different strategies across behavioral and values domains. Consistent with theory, a number of acculturation strategy cluster group differences emerged across generational status, acculturative stress, mental health symptoms, and attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help. Study limitations and future directions for research are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acculturation*
  • Adult
  • Asian / psychology*
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Culture
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Health / ethnology
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Psychometrics
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Social Identification*
  • Social Values
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology*
  • Students / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States