About this paper symposium

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Panel information
Panel 17. Race, Ethnicity, Culture, Context

Paper #1
Latent Acculturation Profiles among Immigrant-Origin Youth in Greece and Longitudinal Relations to Mental Health Outcomes
Author information	Role
Scott Z. Brauer, Applied Psychology Department, New York University, United States	Presenting author
Selcuk R. Sirin, Applied Psychology Department, New York University, United States	Non-presenting author
Frosso Motti-Stefanidi, Psychology Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece	Non-presenting author
Abstract
Studies focused on the acculturation process have primarily drawn from a bidimensional model that emphasizes the importance of maintaining immigrants’ heritage cultures while also building new connections to the host culture, resulting in 4 distinct acculturation orientations (Berry, 2005). However, empirical investigations have found varying numbers of acculturation orientations across different contexts and using different methodologies (Rudmin, 2009; Sam & Ward, 2021; Schwartz et al., 2010). Among the four hypothesized acculturation strategies (assimilation, integration, separation, and marginalization), the “integration hypothesis” predicts that immigrants who maintain connections to their heritage culture and also build new connections to the host culture will have the best developmental outcomes, but empirical evidence is also mixed (Bierwiaczonek & Kunst, 2021; Grigoryev et al., 2023). Importantly, the majority of this research has used variable-based approaches to determine general trends of acculturation and use mean or median values to determine which orientation immigrants pursue, but these approaches presume the structure of acculturation orientations without empirically testing the latent subgroups of acculturation and their differential relations to key outcomes over time. Person-based approaches have largely failed to reproduce the fourfold model of acculturation strategies and have generally not supported the integration hypothesis (Bulut & Gayman, 2020; Sam & Ward, 2021), but most of these studies were cross-sectional. Therefore, this study sought to 1) determine whether there were distinct latent profiles of acculturation among immigrant-origin youth living in Greece, and 2) examine how these profiles differentially predicted mental health outcomes over time. Immigrant-origin adolescents (N = 799), the majority of whom were 2nd generation, were recruited from middle schools throughout Athens, Greece (Mage = 12.78 years, SDage = 0.75). A latent profile analysis of 22 acculturation items was conducted at wave 1 (Nguyen & von Eye, 2001) and a four-profile solution was the best-fitting model (AIC = 47261.15, BIC = 47776.23, entropy = .93, VLMR = .03, LMR = .03), largely reproducing a fourfold model of acculturation. Sample sizes in the profiles ranged from 93-273, so there were no very small profiles. There were no significant differences between the profiles in the relations between acculturation and self-esteem, and acculturation and emotional symptoms over time. Regarding conduct problems, the assimilation profile had significantly lower levels than the marginalization and separation profiles at wave 1. Additionally, the integration profile had significantly lower baseline levels than the separation profile, but these problems increased over time. Similarly for peer relationship problems, the assimilation profile had lower baseline levels than the marginalization and separation profiles, but the marginalization profile remained stable while the assimilation and separation profiles had worse outcomes over time. Finally, all of the models were moderated by gender and generation status, which had differential impacts on the acculturation profiles’ relations with mental health outcomes at baseline and over time. These results will be framed within the context, sample, and methods of the study to understand how these findings provide key insights into the complex acculturation process and its impact on future developmental outcomes.

Paper #2
Pathways of Cultural Identity Over Time: Bicultural Identity Integration Trajectories of German Ethnic Minority Adolescents
Author information	Role
Peter F. Titzmann, Leibniz University Hannover, Department of Psychology, Germany, Germany	Presenting author
Paula Duwe, Leibniz University Hannover, Department of Psychology, Germany, Germany	Non-presenting author
Lara Aumann, Leibniz University Hannover, Department of Psychology, Germany, Germany	Non-presenting author
Abstract
Ethnic minority adolescents often face the developmental task of integrating multiple cultures into their identity. This integration process is associated with their psychosocial functioning and societal integration. The Bicultural Identity Integration (BII) framework addressed this developmental task, but novel findings suggest that, among adolescents in Germany, the integration process is more complex than previously assumed with four (Blendedness, Compartmentalization, Harmony, Conflict) instead of two dimensions. There is, however, limited understanding of how ethnic minority adolescents navigate and combine these dimensions and how they experience this integration process. To address this gap, this study aimed at examining longitudinal BII trajectories using a person-centered-approach to identify subgroups of individuals based on their growth parameters of the four dimensions (intercept and slope). According to BII theory we expected at least two trajectory classes: (H1) a “High Integrated BI Class”, characterized by a merged and overlapping cognitive cultural identity structure (Blendedness) and an affective experience of balanced and compatible cultural identities (Harmony), and (H2) a “Low-Integrated BI Class”, characterized by a distinct and non-convergent cognitive cultural identity structure (Compartmentalization) and affective experiences of tension and conflict between cultural identities (Conflict). Further drawing on identity formation theories, we expected to identify two additional classes: (H3) an “Unresolved BI Class”, representing adolescents who are still exploring different identity integration configurations, characterized by medium to high levels across all four BII dimensions (Blendedness, Compartmentalization, Harmony, and Conflict), and (H4) a “BI Conflict-Resolution Class”, marked by high initial levels of Conflict followed by a significant reduction over time. Furthermore, we hypothesized that individuals in the different BI trajectory classes vary in their psychological adaptation with individuals in the “High Integrated BI Class” showing overall high levels of psychological adaptation while individuals in the “Unresolved BI Class” should exhibit overall lower levels of psychological adaptation. The sample comprised 226 ethnic minority students from Germany with migration history in their family (Mage= 12.9, SD= 1.19; 51.1% female) who were followed over two years (2019 - 2021). Results of Latent Class Growth Analysis (LCGA) revealed substantial interindividual differences in the longitudinal development of the four BII dimensions, captured by five distinct BII trajectory classes, three of which aligned with our hypotheses (“High Integrated BI”, “Unresolved BI”, “BI Conflict-Resolution”). However, the hypothesized “Low BI Class” was only partially confirmed. We identified a class with high levels of Compartmentalization but, unexpectedly, it was combined with feelings of Harmony rather than Conflict, suggesting more nuances on how the BII dimensions may be experienced and combined during adolescence. Moreover, MANOVA results indicated significant differences between the BII trajectory classes in terms of psychological adaptation, aligning with our predictions. By demonstrating various BII trajectories, these findings highlight the complexity of BII processes. Obviously, adolescents growing up in multicultural societies use diverse strategies of dealing with various cultures in their identity, which may be associated with their particular developmental/cultural niche and their psychosocial functioning. Results are further discussed with regard to heterogeneity in the student body and the historic time during which the study took place.

Paper #3
Acculturation and Mental Health: A Systematic Review of Internalizing Symptoms
Author information	Role
R. Canan Tugberk, Applied Psychology Department, New York University, United States	Presenting author
Brit Oppedal, Division of Mental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Norway	Non-presenting author
Selcuk R. Sirin, Applied Psychology Department, New York University, United States	Non-presenting author
Abstract
Mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and somatization are critical areas of concern for immigrant-origin youth due to their potential long-term impact on psychological well-being (Garcia-Coll & Marks, 2012; Motti-Stefanidi & Pavlopoulos, 2021). This systematic review explores the relationship between acculturation and these mental health outcomes, focusing on the “immigrant paradox,” which hypothesizes that greater acculturation is associated with worse mental health outcomes. Our review examines 65 published studies and 19 dissertations, representing 215 effect sizes from 97 independent samples, collected up until 2016. These studies span various cultural groups, including Latine, Asian, and Middle Eastern immigrant-origin youth, providing a broad perspective on acculturation's impact on internalizing mental health. The overall analysis reveals mixed support for the immigrant paradox. While some studies report a negative association between acculturation and mental health (supporting the paradox), most studies do not provide strong empirical evidence for this hypothesis. For example, Latine youth showed weak support for the paradox, particularly with somatic complaints, while Asian and Middle Eastern youth demonstrated a small but significant negative correlation between acculturation and internalizing problems, particularly anxiety and depression. We also observed that age plays a key role in this relation, with young adults (18-25 years) showing stronger negative correlations between acculturation and internalizing problems compared to children and adolescents, suggesting that acculturation may have a more positive mental health impact as youth mature. In terms of ethnic background, Latine samples showed more mixed results, with increased somatic symptoms accompanying higher acculturation, while Asian and Middle Eastern samples generally reported improved mental health outcomes with higher acculturation. Furthermore, second-generation immigrant youth displayed a stronger negative correlation between acculturation and depression, while first-generation youth showed more variability in their mental health outcomes. Methodologically, studies that measured acculturation behaviorally (e.g., language use, cultural practices) found stronger negative correlations with internalizing problems than those using psychological measures (e.g., identification with the host culture). Cross-sectional studies were also less likely to detect significant associations compared to longitudinal studies, which provided more robust evidence for the protective effects of acculturation over time. Although some groups still report elevated somatic complaints, especially among more acculturated Latine youth, the findings suggest that acculturation generally serves as a protective factor against internalizing mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. This review challenges the broad application of the immigrant paradox in mental health research and highlights the importance of considering cultural, developmental, and methodological factors when assessing the mental health of immigrant-origin youth. These results underscore the need for culturally sensitive interventions that support acculturation while addressing the specific challenges faced by diverse immigrant populations.

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