Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026

A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents
Published on: July 10, 2017
Behavioral Enculturation and Acculturation, Psychological Functioning, and Help-Seeking Attitudes Among Asian
Bryan S K Kim1, Michael M Omizo
1Department of Psychology, University of Hawaii at Hilo.
Abstract:
The study examined behavioral enculturation to Asian culture and behavioral acculturation to the dominant European American culture and their possible relations to positive psychological functioning among Asian American adolescents. Positive psychological functioning was operationalized using measures of general self-efficacy, cognitive flexibility, collective self-esteem, and attitudes toward seeking help. Based on data from 112 Asian American high school students in Hawaii, the results did not support the hypothesis that both high behavioral enculturation and acculturation would be related to positive psychological functioning. However, post hoc examination of the results revealed that enculturation was positively associated with general self-efficacy, cognitive flexibility, and the collective self-esteem dimensions of membership, private, and importance-to-identity. Also, acculturation was negatively associated with the importance-to-identity dimension. Implications for research and practice with Asian American adolescents are discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Surveys
Conduct Disorder
Self-Esteem and Culture
The Role of Culture
