DOI:10.6129/CJP.202203_64(1).0005
Chinese Journal of Psychology 2022, Vol.64, No.1, 91-110

Application of Berry’s Model of Acculturation to the Study of Acculturation Profiles and Adaptation of Filipino Immigrants in Macau

Long Sui（Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, City University of Macau）；Francisco Paulo de Nogueira Botelho（Macau Society of Registered Psychotherapists）

Abstract

This study, based on Berry’s bidimensional acculturation model, aims to assess the acculturation profiles with a sample of 214 Filipino immigrant participants using a person-centered approach and to examine the relationship between profiles and psychological and sociocultural adaptation. Cluster analysis, based on acculturation process related variables including acculturation orientations, cultural identity and social contact, identified three-cluster optimal classification profiles namely separation with low ethnic contact (43%), integration with high mainstream orientation (42%), and marginalization (15%). This result indicated that participants belonging to the integration with high mainstream orientation profile showed a more positive psychological and sociocultural adaptation; in contrast, the marginalization profile had relatively weaker adaptation outcomes. It is found that there were no significant differences between separation with low ethnic contact and integration with high mainstream orientation profile with respect to psychological adaptation. Study findings provided considerable evidence over the context of settlement for immigrants’ acculturation status while the adaptation outcome was dependent on their acculturation profiles. Implications of these findings for social policies and limitations for practitioners in this field are discussed.

Keywords: Acculturation Profile, Cluster Analysis, Macau's Filipino Immigrants, Psychological Adaptation, Sociocultural Adaptation