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Thesis
Acculturation of South Asian young adults in America: generational differences and impacts on psychological well-being
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Jun 2025
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00010980
Abstract
This study examined the relationship between preferred acculturation strategies and psychological well-being (PWB) among South Asian young adults in the United States, with particular attention to generational status. Drawing from Berry's acculturation framework, participants (N = 219; ages 18-26) identifying as either first-generation (G1) or second-generation (G2) South Asians completed an online survey assessing acculturation strategy (integration, assimilation, separation, or marginalization) and PWB. The study tested three hypotheses: (1) integration would be the preferred strategy across generations; (2) integration and assimilation would be positively correlated with PWB, while separation and marginalization would be negatively correlated; and (3) the positive association between integration and PWB would be strongest in G2, followed by G1. Results partially supported the hypotheses. Integration and assimilation were the most frequently endorsed strategies, with G1 participants favoring integration and G2 participants showing a more even distribution across strategies. A small but significant negative correlation was found between acculturation strategy and PWB, indicating lower well-being associated with less adaptive strategies. Notably, this relationship was statistically significant among G1 participants, suggesting that acculturation strategy may be more closely tied to PWB for recent immigrants than U.S.-born individuals. However, ANOVA analyses revealed no significant interaction between generation and acculturation strategy on PWB. These findings highlighted the nuanced generational differences in cultural adaptation and underscore the need for culturally and generationally sensitive mental health support for South Asian American communities.
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Details
- Title
- Acculturation of South Asian young adults in America
- Creators
- Sanjana G. Oak
- Contributors
- Brian P. Daly (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- 64 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology); College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991022057537204721