Acculturation Coping Leads to Heightened Sensitivity to Socially Hurtful Events

Abstract This research examined the hypothesis that challenging experiences in acculturation may lead to heightened reactivity to socially hurtful events. Study 1 found that compared to a prime of acculturating to a similar foreign culture, priming acculturation to a distant culture (indicating more challenges) led to greater reported pain toward hurtful interpersonal events. Study 2 examined whether foreign students in the U.K. and immigrants in the U.S. exhibited a heightened reaction to social exclusion. Results showed that among participants with weaker host culture identification, social exclusion had a greater disruptive effect on cognitive performance, as indicated by longer reaction time on the Stroop task. These findings suggested that individuals who face greater obstacles during acculturation are more sensitive to social exclusion.