Degrees of Acculturation

A summary of current research and its implications for Asian immigrants.

By Felicia Yap

There are a few different ways that researchers have described the degrees of assimilation and acculturation. One way is to describe them as a spectrum, with one end representing complete assimilation and the other end representing complete cultural retention. Individuals or groups who are completely assimilated have adopted all of the cultural norms and values of the dominant culture, while those who have completely retained their original cultural identity have not adopted any of the cultural norms and values of the dominant culture.

Another way to describe the degrees of assimilation and acculturation is in terms of the level of interaction between the individual or group and the dominant culture. This can range from low levels of interaction, where the individual or group has limited contact with the dominant culture, to high levels of interaction, where the individual or group has a lot of contact with the dominant culture. At the low end of the spectrum, individuals or groups may have little or no contact with the dominant culture and may retain their original cultural identity. At the high end of the spectrum, individuals or groups may have a lot of contact with the dominant culture and may be more likely to assimilate.

It's important to note that assimilation and acculturation are not necessarily linear processes. Individuals and groups can move back and forth along the spectrum, adopting and rejecting different aspects of the dominant culture over time. Additionally, the degree of assimilation and acculturation can vary within a single individual or group, depending on the context and the specific cultural norms and values being considered.

Research has shown that the process of assimilation and acculturation can have a significant impact on the mental health of individuals and groups from minority cultures, including Asian Americans. For example, some studies have found that Asian Americans who are more assimilated to the dominant culture may be more likely to experience mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, compared to those who have retained more of their original cultural identity. This may be due in part to the fact that assimilation can involve giving up some of the support structures and cultural practices that can help protect against mental health issues.

At the same time, cultural retention can also have negative impacts on mental health. For example, individuals or groups who are isolated from the dominant culture may not have access to the same mental health resources and services as those who are more assimilated. This can make it more difficult for them to receive the support they need to address mental health issues. Additionally, some traditional cultural practices and beliefs may not be conducive to good mental health, and may even contribute to mental health issues.

Overall, the relationship between assimilation and acculturation and mental health is complex and can vary depending on a number of factors. It's important for mental health professionals working with Asian American communities to be aware of these issues and to take a culturally sensitive approach to addressing mental health concerns.