Cultural Orientation across Three Generations of Hispanic Adolescents

Abstract

Acculturation among Hispanic adolescents involves learning the behaviors, beliefs, and values of American culture. This study examined changes in cultural orientation across three generations of adolescents (N = 203). Results indicated that Hispanic cultural orientation decreases in a linear trend across the first three generations, whereas American cultural orientation increases linearly. These findings suggest that within a few generations, most Hispanic adolescents exhibit a predominant American culture orientation while maintaining some traces of their Hispanic cultural orientation. Although home culture orientation diminishes across generations, it does not disappear completely. In addition, adolescents still retained allegiance to their Hispanic familial values.