Language Acculturation Discrepancy in Latina/o Families and its Relationship with Emotional and Behavioral Problems
Year: 2011
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: The current study is an assessment of whether a language acculturation discrepancy (LAD) within families is most predictive of emotional and behavioral problems for Latina/o youth when relevant variables are controlled. A sample of predominantly Mexican American parent-child dyads was recruited to complete a language-based measure of acculturation and parent participants completed an assessment of their child's emotional and behavioral functioning. Results indicated a total difference value between parent-child levels of language acculturation to be most predictive of the outcome. Additionally, the child's level of language acculturation, independent of that of the parent, was also found to account for a significant amount of variance. Results indicate support for the acculturation gap-distress hypothesis based on discrepancies in language use and proficiency. Limitations of the findings and directions for future research are also discussed.
Author: Jonathan P. Muther
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2599623458