Multiple dimensions of acculturation and the longitudinal victimization of Latine adolescents

Multiple dimensions of acculturation (Anglo orientation, Latine orientation, familial support, immigrant status) may play a role in the victimization of Latine youth. This study examined these relationships for various forms of violence, including dating violence, conventional crime, child maltreatment, peer and sibling victimization, sexual victimization, and stalking, over time.

A total of 574 Latine adolescents across the United States, aged 12-18 at Wave 1, participated in both waves of the study. Participants completed the following measures: Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire, Conflict Tactics Scale 2 Short Form, The Brief Acculturation Rating Scale for Mexican Americans II, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, along with demographics.

Path analysis results showed that familial support was related to significantly lower odds of peer and sibling victimization, dating violence, child maltreatment, and sexual victimization at Wave 2. Additionally, immigrant status was associated with greater odds of subsequent conventional crime and sexual victimization. Latine orientation was associated with higher odds of subsequent sexual victimization and lower odds of subsequent conventional crime. Anglo orientation was associated with an increased risk of child maltreatment. Interaction effects surfaced for peer/sibling and sexual victimization.

Aspects of acculturation alter the risk of subsequent victimization in multiple ways, sometimes in ways counter to cross-sectional effects. Victimization also impacts dimensions of acculturation such as familial support and cultural orientations. These findings point to the need for prevention and intervention efforts that strengthen families and acknowledge the role of cultural adaptation in victimization risk. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).