A Bidimensional Model of Acculturation for Examining Differences in Family Functioning and Behavior Problems in Hispanic Immigrant Adolescents

Abstract

This study examined the relationships of adolescent acculturation orientations to adolescent and parent reports of family functioning and behavior problems in a sample of 338 Hispanic families. Acculturation orientations are derived from the model proposed by Berry. Results indicate that integrated adolescents, who both maintain heritage culture practices and adopt receiving culture practices, reported the highest levels of parental involvement, positive parenting, and family support and that assimilated adolescents, who adopt receiving-culture practices and do not retain heritage culture practices, reported the greatest levels of aggressive behavior. Implications for intervention, as well as benefits of using a bidimensional model to evaluate the relationships of acculturation to individual and family functioning, are discussed.