1. Psychological acculturation:
A review of theory, methodology, and recommendations for future research
Nyrie Nalbandian, Rhonda Craven, Marjorie Seaton and Nida Denson
University of Western Sydney
Psychological acculturation is defined as the changes experienced at the level of the individual as a result of being in contact with other cultures (Graves, 1967). Research on the school adjustment of acculturating ethnic students has been of great interest to cultural psychologists and educational researchers in recent years, with studies linking student integration with positive psychological and sociocultural adaptation (e.g. Berry, Phinney, Sam & Vedder, 2006). However, to assess the impact on minority students, it is first necessary to establish an accurate understanding of the models which predict psychological acculturation cross-culturally, so that researchers are able to recognise intricate patterns not only within multicultural countries but across societies. This investigation reviewed the extant literature in this field, explored theoretical advances, pointed to limitations, and provided recommendations for the way forward to ensure that students from minority cultures reach their full potential. Methodological limitations of psychological acculturation included: existing measures being largely based on culturally specific factors which cannot be applied to multicultural societies (e.g., the ‘Filial Piety’ and the ‘Family Recognition Through Achievement’ factors measured in the Asian Values Scale [Kim, Atkinson & Yang, 1999]); the dichotomization of acculturating outcomes; and the measurement of contextual factors. Theoretical advances included: a move toward a more advanced bilinear model of acculturation; and the birth of biculturalism as an acculturation outcome. Also examined were theoretical limitations to existing acculturation models; here issues of linearity and dimensionalities were also explored. By reflecting on theoretical advances and methodological limitations in psychological acculturation research, this review provided future recommendations for acculturation theory and multi-group acculturation scale development.
1. ABSTRACT
2. INTRODUCTION
Testable models of the nature and structure of psychological acculturation have been dubious and a point of controversy among cross-cultural psychology researchers.
The area of research continues to be plagued with inconsistencies in the theoretical conceptualisations and methodological limitations, hindering the progression of psychological acculturation measures and its application in the study of ethnic minorities.
5. RESULTS
Theoretical and Methodological Limitations include:
The continued use of the unilinear model of psychological acculturation, despite the greater evidentiary support for the bilinear model.
The continual overlap of dimensions being measured within psychological acculturation scales.
The oversight of measuring moderating variables prior to and during psychological acculturation.
The dichotomization of variables whereby participants are divided into four acculturative outcomes, which may result in biased results.
The skew in ethnic samples within psychological acculturation studies.
The lack of multi-group psychological acculturation measures, the vast majority of current measures are culturally specific.
3. AIMS
The study aims to:
Synthesise recent advances in theoretical conceptualisations of the nature and the structure of psychological acculturation to establish the basis for a new model; and
Explicate the strengths and weaknesses of existing measures in order to inform the development of an Australian multi-group psychological acculturation measure.
Figure 1. The bilinear multidimensional model of psychological acculturation, adapted from Miller (2007).
4. METHODOLOGY
A literature search from the last three decades of published articles in psychological, educational, cultural, and health journals was undertaken.
The resulting body of literature was scrutinised to elucidate theoretical conceptualisations of psychological acculturation.
6. DISCUSSION
Directions and recommendations for future development of psychological acculturation scales include:
The creation and validation of multi-group psychological acculturation measures as these are more practicable within multicultural societies.
A conceptual focus on a bilinear multidimensional model (see Figure 1).
In measuring the construct, researchers must consider moderating factors at the level of the cultural group and the individual prior to and during the acculturative process (see Figure 2).
Eliminating the use of arbitrary cut-off points.
Figure 2. Berry’s Framework for conceptualising psychological acculturation, adapted from Sam and Berry (2010) and Berry and Sam (1997).
5. RESULTS
Theoretical and Methodological Advances include:
A move toward a bilinear model of psychological acculturation.
The birth of biculturalism as an outcome of psychological acculturation.
Recognition of the multidimensional nature of psychological acculturation.
JOINT ‘7TH SELF BIENNIAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE’ AND ‘ERAS CONFERENCE’
9-11 September, 2013
Singapore
Nyrie Nalbandian