Domains and dimensions in acculturation: Implicit theories of Turkish-Dutch

Abstract

The present study aims to further our understanding of psychological acculturation by examining which current models of acculturation correspond most with implicit theories of Turkish-Dutch. Current theoretical models of acculturation differ in two aspects: dimensionality (unidimensional adaptation, a bidimensional combination of culture maintenance and adaptation, or a multidimensional fusion of two cultures) and domain specificity (trait or domain-specific models). Domain specificity of acculturation played a more central role in the implicit theories of Turkish-Dutch than typically assumed in current theoretical models. The unidimensional domain-specific model was most frequently employed. Turkish-Dutch emphasized the importance of both Dutch and Turkish culture in their lives (thereby supporting the popular notion of integration), but this importance varied across domains: Adjustment to Dutch culture was more emphasized in the public (functional, utilitarian) domain while maintenance of Turkish culture was more emphasized in the private (social-emotional, value-related) domain. This study documents the need to elaborate on domain specificity and on the meaning of integration in acculturation models. © 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.