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Value changes in third generation Japanese Americans.
1Department of Anthropology, California State University, Sacramento, California 95819, USA.
Journal of Personality Assessment
|December 1, 1975
Summary
Third-generation Japanese Americans show acculturation but retain distinct personality needs compared to Caucasians. They exhibit higher needs for order and lower needs for change, indicating cultural persistence.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Cultural Studies
Background:
- Acculturation is a complex process influencing personality and cultural identity.
- Understanding the psychological traits of ethnic minority groups is crucial for cultural integration studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the acculturation and personality needs of third-generation Japanese Americans with a contemporary Caucasian college student population.
- To identify specific personality differences that persist despite acculturation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Edwards Personal Preference Schedule (EPPS) to assess personality needs.
- Administered the EPPS to 275 third-generation Japanese Americans and 346 Caucasian American college students.
- Analyzed EPPS scores to compare personality profiles between the two groups.
Main Results:
- Japanese Americans demonstrated significant acculturation compared to Caucasian peers.
- Japanese Americans exhibited a significantly higher need for order, succorance, and abasement.
- Japanese Americans showed a significantly lower need for change and heterosexuality.
Conclusions:
- Acculturation does not fully erase distinct cultural personality traits.
- Specific personality needs, such as order and change, remain salient markers of Japanese American identity.
- Further research can explore the long-term implications of these persistent needs in diverse populations.