Abstract
We sought to examine the relationship between acculturative status and positive psychological functioning (i.e., psychological well-being) in a sample of 96 Asian Americans. Using a supplemental item from the Suinn-Lew Asian Self-Identity Acculturation Scale, we classified participants into one of three acculturative statuses: Asian-Identified (n = 56), Western-Identified (n = 20), and Bicultural-Identified (n = 20). We used Ryff's (1989) Scales of Psychological Well-Being as a comprehensive measure of well-being, in addition to other commonly used indicators of well-being such as life satisfaction and depressed mood. We hypothesized that Bicultural-Identified individuals would show greater well-being relative to Asian-Identified and Western-Identified individuals as a result of these latter groups experiencing acculturative stress and bicultural stress, respectively. Results of a priori contrast tests largely confirmed our hypothesis, revealing the predicted pattern among four of six subscales of subjective well-being. Implications for future work examining Asian Americans' well-being and mental health are discussed.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 275-285 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Asian American Journal of Psychology |
Volume | 3 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 1 2012 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- General Psychology