50+ years of psychological acculturation research: Progress and challenges

Abstract

Acculturation psychology, now over fifty years old, has evolved significantly since its inception in the mid-1960s. This paper seeks to shape the future of the field by addressing recent criticisms and controversies such as the association between integration and adaptation. The author reflects on acculturation psychology’s journey and highlights how global migration trends have accelerated the growth of acculturation as a critical area in psychology. Despite its popularity, the field has faced methodological challenges that necessitate a review of psychometric issues and foundational models. Given the profound impact of acculturation research on millions of lives, our findings must be clear and uncontested. The paper calls for re-evaluating the field's goals and objectives in light of the evolving ethnic compositions of societies. It advocates for leveraging methodological advancements and sophisticated statistical tools to ensure that acculturation research continues to contribute positively to humanity.