Acculturation Stress

The Study of Acculturation Stress

Past studies have measured acculturation stress using a number of psychological indices, namely, selfreport measures of anxiety and depressive symptoms. The actual circumstances that contribute to acculturation stress are often inferred or indirectly assessed using various proxy variables (e.g., language proficiency and preferences, years spent in a host country, and generational status) that are then analyzed in relation to psychological indices of stress. In general, past research indicates that low levels of acculturation (e.g., poor English proficiency, being a new or [Page 7]first-generation immigrant) place individuals at greater risk for acculturation stress (Marin, Balls Organista, & Chun, 2003). Research also suggests that acculturation stress can also occur at a family level. In this case, varying levels of acculturation may be witnessed across family members, increasing the likelihood for parent-child and marital discord (Sue & Sue, 2003). Still, empirical studies indicate that certain individual traits (e.g., “hardiness,” being a younger versus an older adult), abilities, and skills (e.g., being biculturally competent, having a high level of formal education); adaptation strategies or “acculturation modes” (e.g., integration versus marginalization); goals and motives (e.g., being “pulled” toward a host country by greater economic and educational opportunities versus being “pushed” out of one's country of origin due to civil and economic strife); along with the availability of certain resources (e.g., financial resources, social support networks) may serve as protective factors against acculturation stress (Chun, Balls Organista, & Marin, 2003).

Group Differences

The experience of acculturation stress and its associated risk and protective factors can vary across ethnic groups, largely due to differences in sociocultural and historical experiences. In addition, acculturation stress is influenced by the environmental context in which acculturation processes transpire. New immigrants who resettle in communities that comprise people from their own ethnic groups (e.g., in an ethnic enclave) or in communities that promote multiculturalism and pluralism are less likely to experience acculturation stress (Berry & Sam, 1997). The negative effects of acculturation stress on health and psychosocial functioning are often compounded by discrimination and prejudice. However, acculturation stress and discrimination and prejudice can represent distinct processes that have independent effects on health and psychosocial functioning.

Conclusions

Researchers have called for new conceptual and methodological approaches to studying acculturation and acculturation stress. This includes developing new conceptual models that address the multidimensional and dynamic nature of acculturation and acculturation stress, focusing on contextual factors that influence adaptation and adjustment, and formulating culturally appropriate coping strategies for new immigrants who experience acculturation stress.

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