ETHNIC-IDENTITY AND ACCULTURATION IN A YOUNG-ADULT MEXICAN-ORIGIN POPULATION

The relations among ethnic identity, measured by the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM) and acculturation, as measured by the Accultu ration Rating Scale-II (ARSMA-11) were studied in 1,367 freshmen colle ge students, 87% of whom were of Mexican origin. The results strongly support the concept that ethnic identity and acculturation are related but separate processes. Ethnic identity scores were found to be highe st in first generation, less acculturated subjects, and traditional ac culturative types. Higher levels of acculturation were associated with less feelings of affirmation and belonging, and less feelings of ethn ic identity achievement. The Pearson correlation coefficient obtained for Ethnic Identity and Acculturation was r = -.32 (p < .001). Ethnic Identity Achievement (r = -.25), Affirmation and Belonging (r = -.35), and Ethnic Behaviors (r = -.14), were all negatively correlated with linear acculturation. High Biculturals were found to obtain higher sco res an ethnic identity than Low Biculturals, and High Biculturals were found to be oriented more toward others than those who were classifie d as Traditional or Assimilated. The findings suggest that one's sense of ethnic group membership diminishes with behavioral acculturation a mong Mexican Americans. (C) 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.