Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

publishedVersion

Publication Date

3-2021

Abstract

Prior studies investigating the association between acculturation and adolescent adjustment have often focused on specific acculturation domains rather than examining these domains collectively in a profile typology. Here, we investigate stability and change patterns in Mexican American adolescent acculturation profiles over time, using a two-wave longitudinal dataset spanning 5 years. Using latent profile analysis, three adolescent acculturation profiles were identified at Waves 1 and 2: integrated; moderately integrated; and moderately assimilated. Using latent transition analysis, four acculturation transition profiles were identified across time: stable integrated; stable moderately integrated; progressive; and regressive. Over half of all adolescents were identified as belonging to the stable integrated and stable moderately integrated transition profiles. Adolescents classified in the stable integrated profile reported the highest levels of adjustment (academic competence and socioemotional well-being) relative to those with other transition profiles. Findings from this study contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic process of acculturation among Mexican American adolescents, and provide useful insights to inform interventions and policies aimed at improving Mexican-origin adolescents' adaption to US culture while maintaining their heritage Mexican culture.

Keywords

Mexican American adolescent, acculturation, developmental outcomes, latent profile analysis, latent transition analysis

Discipline

Multicultural Psychology | Personality and Social Contexts | Social Psychology

Research Areas

Psychology

Publication

New Directions for Child and Adolescent Development

Volume

176

First Page

205

Last Page

225

ISSN

1520-3247

Identifier

10.1002/cad.20396

Publisher

Wiley

Copyright Owner and License

Authors

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1002/cad.20396

Download

Share

COinS