A Path Model of Acculturation, Enculturation, Social Connectedness, and Mental Health Among Asian American/Pacific Islander Immigrants

The present study investigated the indirect effects of acculturation and enculturation on mental health problems (i.e., depression and social anxiety) through social connectedness (i.e., family-, peer-, university-, and neighborhood-connectedness) among Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) immigrant emerging adults in Guam. Participants consisted of 235 (18-30 years old) AAPI immigrant emerging adult students. Online surveys were distributed that contained measures of acculturation and enculturation, family connectedness, peer connectedness, university connectedness, neighborhood connectedness, depression, and anxiety in the university classes and via social media platforms. The results of a path analysis revealed indirect effects of acculturation on depression and anxiety through peer and university connectedness. Limitations, future studies, and the cultural and clinical implications of the findings are discussed.