Acculturation Theory Research Articles

Longitudinal examination of perceived cultural distance, psychological and sociocultural adaptation: A study of postgraduate student adaptation in Shanghai

Since the conclusion of the pandemic, scholars are prompted to reexamine the connection between perceived cultural distance and the cultural adaptation process. However, research in this realm remains limited, especially concerning the intercultural contact by students who move to new cultures for school. Employing a longitudinal design, our study explored how perceived cultural distance predict sociocultural and psychological adaptation in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing from the outcomes of a cross-lagged model involving 129 Chinese postgraduate students, we observed that perceived cultural distance at Time 2 negatively predicted sociocultural and psychological adaptation at Time 3, indicating greater perceived cultural distance with poorer sociocultural and psychological adaptation at Time 3. Remarkably, our findings supported the perceived cultural distance hypothesis, namely a time-lagged effect between perceived cultural distance and acculturation, a connection that only occurred after COVID restrictions ended. The findings carry significant implications for acculturation during the pandemic period and provide more longitudinal evidence supporting the theory of acculturation.

Reimagining Indigenous Tourism: The RISE Framework

ABSTRACT This paper introduces the RISE framework (Rich Intercultural Spiritual Exchange), aimed at innovating Indigenous spiritual tourism planning and execution. Grounded in the capability approach and acculturation theory, RISE facilitates immersive cultural experiences while preserving spiritual legacies, responding to calls for reimagining Indigenous tourism. Despite its potential, current practices often marginalize Indigenous communities, perpetuating issues like misrepresentation and limited participation. Embracing indigeneity unlocks opportunities for cultural exchange and community empowerment. Spiritual tourism, a key aspect, fosters personal growth and well-being while promoting cross-cultural understanding and environmental stewardship. RISE addresses shortcomings by prioritizing Indigenous voices and cultural preservation. This framework offers valuable contributions to tourism scholarship, providing insights into visitor engagement and cultural assimilation. It also aids destination planners in creating meaningful, sustainable experiences, fostering cross-cultural understanding and community empowerment. Ultimately, RISE guides stakeholders in developing authentic, culturally enriching tourism that benefits both visitors and Indigenous communities.

Analyzing Acculturation Strategies and Psychological Outcomes in Post-Colonial Narratives: A Study of "The Reluctant Fundamentalist" and "An American Brat" Using Berry's Acculturation Theory

Analyzing Acculturation Strategies and Psychological Outcomes in Post-Colonial Narratives: A Study of "The Reluctant Fundamentalist" and "An American Brat" Using Berry's Acculturation Theory

ACCULTURATION OF ISLAMIC CULTURE AND LOCAL CULTURE IN DRUMING TRADITION IN PANJANG REGION VILLAGE, KUCHING, SARAWAK, MALAYSIA

This article focuses on the acculturation of Islamic culture and local culture in the Bergendang tradition. The purpose of writing this article is to preserve the traditions that have been carried out by the Rantau Panjang Malay community in order to introduce them to the public. The approach and theoretical framework used in this research is the cultural anthropology approach and acculturation theory with a functional approach. Meanwhile, the methods used are ethnographic methods and phenomenological methods. From this research, it can be found that the background to the emergence of the Drumming tradition in Kampung Rantau Panjang is related to the absence of entertainment in ancient times, encouraging the people to create offerings to fill their free time and provide entertainment. In this case, previous people started the tradition of drumming by tapping on used boards and it produced different sounds and could arouse people's interest in dancing to the sound of used boards being hit. The developments and changes that have occurred have helped the Bergendang tradition continue to be in demand by every level of society. Even though some structures have changed, this traditional entertainment still maintains the elements and rules of the event. Apart from that, Islamic values ​​have become the spirit of various aspects in the implementation of the Bergendang tradition. Then, the majority of the people of Kampung Rantau Panjang responded to the implementation of the Bergendang tradition with a positive response. This can be seen from the enthusiasm of the residents when carrying out this tradition.

Secondary school students’ attitudes of tolerance towards minorities

Continued migration flows are inevitable, and research into favorable conditions for educating students in pluralistic societies is timely. This study attempts to address the operationalization of favorable conditions when educating children in diverse societies. Previous research into the contact hypothesis and acculturation theory has suggested that moderating factors are necessary for contact between groups of “others” to effect positive change in attitudes of tolerance and reduce prejudice. To represent groups of “others”, this study—which analyzed ICCS data from both the 2009 and 2016 cycles—considers lower-secondary students with an immigration background, who speak a different language than the administered assessment in the home, and diversity in terms of socio-economic background. To represent a desirable or “successful” classroom context, the study focuses on attitudes of tolerance held by lower-secondary students towards minorities, investigating whether participation in civic activities in the school or community, or the act of learning in more diverse classrooms, was associated with increased rates of tolerance. Findings supported the stated hypotheses to some extent, as some associations between heterogenous classroom composition (in terms of the share of students from immigrant backgrounds and those who spoke different languages in the home) and increased attitudes of tolerance towards minorities were observed. Student participation in civic activities in school was significantly associated with higher attitudes of tolerance towards minorities in 16 out of 18 analyzed countries. A relation between civic participation in the community and tolerance towards minorities was not found. Overall, students’ rates of tolerance towards minorities increased significantly for the majority of analyzed countries between 2009 and 2016.

Internationally educated nurses’ workplace acculturation and strategies for integration: Application of the Fourfold Model of Acculturation Theory (FMAT)

Introduction. Internationally educated nurses (IENs) bring diverse skills, experiences, and cultural perspectives to healthcare institutions in the host country. However, their integration involves multiple adjustments encompassing physical, sociocultural, linguistic, psychological, and economic changes. Aims. This paper aims to explore the acculturation processes experienced by IENs and create strategies to support them as they adjust to their new workplace environment. Methods. The Fourfold Model of Acculturation Theory (FMAT) was utilized to develop effective strategies to improve professional, psychosocial, cultural, and organizational outcomes for IENs. Findings. Poor IEN integration stemming from cultural disparities leads to acculturation stress. This stress involves physical health issues, mental exhaustion, identity confusion, social isolation, and marginalization by their colleagues. Implications. The successful integration of IENs requires the involvement of stakeholders at the host workplace. Two-way workplace integration requires efforts from and partnership between stakeholders and IENs. Conclusion. The Fourfold Model of Acculturation Theory underscores that IENs who embrace both their native and dominant cultures are better integrated into their new workplace environments. Such integration positively impacts the individual, institutional, and societal domains. Stakeholders, policymakers, program planners, and healthcare institutions must foster a pluralistic culture and provide support to domestic and international nurses in understanding their professional roles and practices.

"What do I say?" Reflections on the International Communication Strategy of Chinese Culture on Social Media Platforms

In the Internet era, the social media platform has been an important channel for international people to get information based on the digital technology with rapid development. The information on social media with rapid transmission is short and brief and the presentation is fragmented and simple, providing the public with a platform to conduct exchanges on equal footing, which has given the content a new interpretation. Thus as Chinese culture goes international, social media platforms have also been an important part of China's digital culture industry. Then what kind of image we should build to promote the transmission of Chinese culture to the world and how to present the content of the external communication platform to achieve the emotional resonance of cultural communication between different countries are extremely essential. On the basis of "acculturation theory", the thesis intends to explore and analyze the significant differences in the international dissemination of Chinese culture strategy, determine "what I want to say" under the premise of knowing “who is the information aimed at” and how to make the most of social media platforms to promote acculturation and cross-cultural communication, and propose corresponding an optimal path.

‘I was content just staying within my own circle’: interrogating the relationship between sport and acculturation among Chinese international students at a Canadian university

ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to understand the sport and physical activity experiences of Chinese international students within a large Canadian public university in Toronto, Canada. This aim was addressed by conducting semi-structured interviews with nine Chinese international students enrolled at this university and analyzing the data through acculturation theory. The study found that sport was primarily utilized for helping participants maintain connections to their culture; an outcome of the acculturation process classified as separation (Berry, 2005), by helping them build a sense of community with fellow Chinese international students. We argue that creating such spaces for sport participation was instrumental to helping the participants navigate the dominant campus culture. Although there was also some evidence that sport created opportunities for the participants to interact with Canadian students, they experienced institutional and cultural challenges that prevented them utilizing sport to connect with, and feel a part of the broader university community. Based on these findings, we argue that sport can potentially be a useful tool for international students to maintain connections to their cultural community, though this is dependent on the demographics of such a community within each individual university campus. And while sport is often promoted as an effective tool for integration amongst international students, engaging in sport or physical activity with domestic students does not, on its own, result in the achievement of such goals and is insufficient without accounting for broader cultural challenges and barriers.

International students’ acculturation in host countries: A typology of intergroup and intragroup contact

International students conduct academic, economic, social, and cultural activities and interact with host communities within and beyond university settings. We explore how these activities shape the acculturation outcomes of Sri Lankan postgraduate students in Japan. We employed intergroup (and intragroup) contact and acculturation theories as our theoretical foundation. Using open-ended semi-structured questions, we interviewed 20 students and analysed interview transcripts using thematic coding techniques. Our findings indicate that different types of intergroup and intragroup activities result in different acculturation outcomes. Regular and formal intergroup activities between Sri Lankan students and the Japanese host community result in cultural co-existence, while irregular and formal intergroup activities result in enculturation. Similarly, regular and informal intergroup activities result in integration, while irregular and informal intergroup activities result in socialisation. The formal and informal intragroup activities between the Sri Lankan students and Sri Lankan immigrants in Japan facilitate their socialisation to the host culture and their resocialisation to ethnic and academic cultures in the host community. These activities contribute to ethnic and cultural maintenance. Synthesising these findings, we contribute by developing a typology of intergroup and intragroup contact for international students’ host country acculturation.

Analysis on Bicultural Identities of Chinese Americans Based on Acculturation Theory

Analysis on Bicultural Identities of Chinese Americans Based on Acculturation Theory

The Acculturation of Local and Shia Cultures in the Tabot Tradition of Bengkulu

This study applies J. Powell’s theory of acculturation to analyze the cultural synthesis in the Tabot ceremony, examining the mutual influences between Shia traditions and Bengkulu’s indigenous practices. Utilizing a descriptive-qualitative methodology, the research involves comprehensive library research for historical and cultural contexts, complemented by fieldwork with the Kerukunan Keluarga Tabot (KTT), the tradition’s custodians. Data analysis follows a structured three-stage process: reduction, display, and conclusion drawing/verification. This approach ensures a thorough and accurate interpretation of findings. The Tabot ceremony commemorates the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Hussein bin Ali bin Abi Talib, in the battle against Ubaidillah bin Zaid’s forces in Karbala, Iraq, on the 10th of Muharram, 61 Hijri (681 AD). Initiated by Sheikh Burhanuddin, also known as Imam Senggolo, in 1685, the first Tabot celebration marked his union with a Bengkulu native, founding the Tabot lineage. This annual event spans from the 1st to the 10th of Muharram. Although originally a Shia Islamic rite, the Tabot ceremony transformed under the influence of Sunni Islam in Bengkulu, leading the descendants of Shia propagators to fervently adopt Sunni Islam. Despite this shift, they continue to observe the Tabot Ritual as a “universal Islamic religious rite” highlighting the doctrinal harmony between Shia and Sunni Islam. Thus, the Tabot Ritual is upheld as crucial for preserving and perpetuating ancestral heritage

Displacement and Acculturation in Ghada Karmi’s In Search of Fatima: The Case of Amina

This article draws on John Berry’s acculturation theory to explore the acculturation process of the Karmi family into English culture as presented in the 2002 memoir In Search of Fatima: A Palestinian Story. According to Berry, acculturation involves a dual process of cultural and psychological change, which occurs when individuals from different cultural backgrounds come into continuous contact. Based on the relation of individuals to their culture of origin and that of the host country, Berry classifies acculturation into four styles: assimilation, integration, separation, and marginalization. This article argues that due to various social, economic, and political factore, the forcibly displaced Karmis faced substantial challenges in adapting to the culture of England. Although the story of each of the five family members deserves attention, we primarily focus on the acculturation of the memoirist’s mother, Amina, because in many ways it is the most tragic, and because as the mother figure, her beliefs, actions, and degree of adaptation to the new culture greatly impact those of other family members.

Acculturation of Islamic Culture in Food as a Gastronomic Tourism Attraction in Surabaya (Case Study of the Sunan Ampel Area)

Ampel Village is an area in the city of Surabaya which is popularly known as Kampung Arab because most of its residents are ethnic Arabs. Apart from that, there are also Javanese and Madurese ethnicities. This area has a high historical value in the spread of the Islamic religion , especially in the field of gastronomy, but many people are still unaware of it. One of the factors causing this is the lack of optimal management of the Ampel Area as a Tourist Attraction. This research was conducted to explore the potential for gastronomic tourism resulting from the acculturation to the Islamic culture in the area. This research uses the theory of cultural acculturation, tourist attraction and gastronomy, including gastronomic tourism components, Nona Helix, and others. The method in this research is qualitative using phenomenological techniques. Data collection techniques used participant observation, document selection, and verification with detailed interviews with Nona Helix. The results concluded that there was a process of cultural acculturation between the Arab ethnic group, the Javanese ethnic group and the Madurese ethnic group in the Ampel area of Surabaya. One of the results of cultural acculturation based on a survey from Miss Helix is the local food Maryam bread, green bean curry, kebuli rice, kebab, briyani rice, oven goat, Arabic pukis, dawet, samosa, peanut sugar, red gulai which have the potential to become gastronomic tourism attractions. This local food has characteristics that are attractive to tourists visiting the Sunan Ampel Religious Tourism Area. The next development of gastronomic tourism that needs to be developed is education, infrastructure and the synergy of Nona Helix.

Effect of Cultural Factors on Speech Perception in Multilingual Contexts in United Kingdom

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of cultural factors on speech perception in multilingual contexts in United Kingdom. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Cultural factors significantly influence speech perception in multilingual contexts in the United Kingdom, impacting individuals' ability to discern phonetic contrasts across languages. Language exposure, cultural identity, and social interactions all contribute to shaping speech perception abilities among multilingual speakers. Considering socio-cultural context is crucial in understanding these phenomena, as cultural norms and values influence auditory processing mechanisms. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social identity theory, acculturation theory & communication accommodation theory may be used to anchor future studies on analyze the effect of cultural factors on speech perception in multilingual contexts in United Kingdom. Develop culturally responsive language education programs that recognize and celebrate linguistic diversity. Advocate for policies that promote linguistic and cultural inclusivity in education, workplace, and public services.

Cross-Cultural Differences in Emotional Regulation Strategies in United States

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the cross-cultural differences in emotional regulation strategies in United States. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Cross-cultural differences in emotional regulation strategies in the United States show variations across cultural groups, with collectivist cultures leaning towards socially-oriented strategies like seeking social support. Cultural norms influence these strategies, emphasizing interpersonal harmony. Individual differences, including acculturation, also play a role. Understanding these dynamics sheds light on how cultural context shapes emotional regulation in diverse U.S. populations. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Cultural models of emotion, cultural syndromes theory & acculturation theory may be used to anchor future studies on the cross-cultural differences in emotional regulation strategies in United States. Mental health practitioners and educators should incorporate cultural sensitivity training into their programs to better support individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds in managing their emotions. Governments and organizations should prioritize the development of culturally sensitive mental health policies and programs that recognize and address the diverse emotional regulation needs of multicultural societies.

Beyond Stereotypes

The Chinese government provided a narrow window for Chinese students during the recent COVID-19 pandemic, enabling them to remain in China and enrol in online courses provided by foreign universities. This was not authorised before the pandemic (Ministry of Education [MOE], 2020). As a result, there was limited research focusing on Chinese overseas students’ distance learning experiences before the pandemic (e.g., Kung, 2017). Furthermore, these studies have been criticised for their overuse of monolithic approaches and the underuse of theories, producing stereotypes and misunderstandings about Chinese students (Lee & Bligh, 2019; Xu, 2022). Despite the increasing number of studies on Chinese overseas students conducted during the pandemic, their online learning experiences have been significantly influenced by the unique situation, which may not be applicable in a post-pandemic scenario. Therefore, this qualitative study aims to investigate Chinese overseas students' networked learning experiences in the post-pandemic era. Building on the ongoing conceptualising effort (NLEC, 2021a), the authors have used learner-content interaction (Moore, 1989) and Berry’s acculturation theory (Berry, 2005) to explore online international Chinese students’ experiences of interaction with learning contents. The focus is on developing a holistic and balanced perspective of these students. Twelve students, enrolled in online graduate degree programmes offered by Western universities while residing in China, were recruited and interviewed. The results of the authors’ thematic analysis of the interview transcripts suggest that online Chinese international students are active agents in their interaction with the learning content and their adaptation to the new settings, in which they bridge a strong connection between Chinese and Western learning content to enrich their understanding of knowledge and promote cultural diversity in both their new environment and their home country. Here, online Chinese international students predominately employ an integration strategy to engage in learning content. Similar to international students from other countries, online Chinese international students encounter challenges due to differences in educational backgrounds, including differences in learning materials and extensive reading requirements. However, online Chinese international students proactively cope with these challenges by integrating knowledge and skills from their home country into their studies, facilitating successful adaptation to the new environment. In addition, the student interaction experience is undermined by a loss of diversity in content provided by Western universities. Therefore, the recommendations are for online educators and universities to take into account the cultural backgrounds of their students and design diverse course content.

The Experiences of Refugees in Host Communities

Purpose: This study sought to examine the experiences of refugees in host communities. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the experiences of refugees in host communities. Preliminary empirical review revealed that refugees encountered multifaceted challenges, including language barriers, discrimination, and limited access to education and employment opportunities, shaping their integration experiences. Positive host community attitudes and inclusive government policies were found to facilitate integration, while negative attitudes hindered social inclusion. Community support networks played a crucial role in fostering refugees' sense of belonging and social cohesion. Overall, the study highlighted the importance of a holistic and rights-based approach to refugee integration, emphasizing collaboration between stakeholders to promote empathy, understanding, and cooperation among host community members and refugees, thus fostering inclusive and resilient societies. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Social Identity theory, Acculturation theory and Ecological Systems theory may be used to anchor future studies the experiences of refugees in host communities. The study provided valuable recommendations that contributed to theory, practice, and policy in the field of refugee studies. It recommended further theoretical development to understand refugee experiences better and emphasized community-based initiatives for fostering positive interactions between refugees and host community members. Additionally, the study called for comprehensive integration policies, targeted interventions for vulnerable subgroups, and research-informed policymaking and practice. These recommendations aimed to create inclusive environments and promote the long-term integration and well-being of refugees in host communities.

Impact of Migration on Identity Formation: A Study of Second-Generation Immigrants

Purpose: This study sought to explore the impact of migration on identity formation looking at the second generation immigrants. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the impact of migration on identity formation. Preliminary empirical review revealed that migration experiences profoundly influenced the construction of cultural identities. Through an analysis of diverse experiences, the study revealed the heterogeneous nature of identity trajectories among second-generation immigrants, ranging from strong attachment to ethnic heritage to fluid, hybrid identities. Socio-cultural factors such as family dynamics, socio-economic status, and institutional support played significant roles in shaping individuals' identity formation processes. The findings emphasized the importance of inclusive policies and supportive networks in facilitating positive identity development among second-generation immigrants, contributing to a deeper understanding of identity construction in multicultural societies. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Social Identity theory, Intersectionality theory and Acculturation theory may be used to anchor future studies on the impact of migration on identity formation. The study made significant contributions to theory, practice, and policy by elucidating the complex interplay between migration experiences and identity formation among second-generation immigrants. Drawing upon established theories such as Social Identity Theory, Intersectionality Theory, and Acculturation Theory, the study provided a nuanced understanding of the factors shaping identity trajectories. Recommendations included implementing culturally responsive teaching practices, developing interventions to support psychosocial well-being, and adopting inclusive integration policies. These insights empowered educators, mental health professionals, community organizations, and policymakers to create more inclusive and supportive environments for second-generation immigrants navigating their identities within the context of migration.

Down the rabbit hole: Acculturation, integration and adaptation

The re-analysis of Nguyen and Benet-Martínez’s (2013) meta-analytic data and a new meta-analysis of longitudinal studies by Bierwiaczonek and Kunst (2021) showed that the relationship between acculturation and adaptation is weak and that the effect size for unbiased results for integration may not differ from zero. These findings pose a major challenge to acculturation theory and research where the premises that acculturation is reliably related to adaptation and that integration is the most adaptive strategy are widely accepted. In this paper I consider how we as acculturation scholars could respond to this challenge. First, I summarize the results of Bierwiaczonek and Kunst’s (2021) meta-analytic studies and the response by Grigoryev et al. (2023), noting that the findings reported in both papers are characterized by small effect sizes and large amounts of heterogeneity. I then consider what single studies can tell us about acculturation and adaptation, highlighting the influence of methodological and contextual factors on this relationship. Finally, I synthesize research on cultural identity configurations, bicultural identity integration and cultural identity styles to show how each program of research on cultural identity integration leads to different, but more nuanced, conclusions about the relationship between acculturation and adaptation. To advance acculturation theory and research I argue that we should reframe our questions from “to what extent are acculturation and integration related to adaptation?” to “how and when are acculturation and integration related to adaptation?” I also advocate putting more emphasis on acculturation processes and contexts in future research.

Examining acculturation at the daily level: Adding nuance to acculturation scholarship

The present article reviews the growing literature on micro-level (daily or situation-specific) acculturation processes and provides new empirical evidence regarding the link between macro-level (general) and micro-level acculturation indices. The review covers the evolution of acculturation theory and research to focus on separate heritage and destination cultural dimensions and on specific domains (e.g., practices, values, identifications), to include longitudinal research designs, and to incorporate daily diary methodologies. The empirical study includes 824 Hispanic college students in Miami (76.1 % female) who participated in a 12-day diary study. General (macro-level) acculturation measures were administered on Days 1 and 12, and daily (micro-level) acculturation measures were administered on Days 2–11. Each of six acculturation components (dimension-domain pairings) – U.S. practices, Hispanic practices, individualist values, collectivist values, U.S. identity, and ethnic identity – was assessed using full scales on Days 1 and 12 and using single items on Days 2–11. Daily means and daily fluctuations, computed as the standard deviation of Day 2–11 scores, were included during the daily portion of the study. Analyses examined the extent to which earlier macro-level acculturation scores would predict daily means and fluctuations, as well as the extent to which these daily means and fluctuations would predict later macro-level acculturation scores. For each acculturation component, daily means were related to Day 1 and Day 12 scores, though the strengths of these associations varied across components. Daily fluctuations were negatively associated with Day 1 and 12 scores for U.S. and Hispanic practices, but these associations were less consistent for the values and identifications components. These results are discussed in terms of the overlap between micro and macro level acculturation processes, and in terms of the future of acculturation research.