Acculturation and self-esteem among Black African immigrants in the United States

Abstract

This cross-sectional study explores the relationship between bi-dimensional acculturation strategies and self-esteem among first- and second-generation Black African immigrants in the United States ( N = 494). Heritage culture identification predicted higher self-esteem, while discrimination, acculturative stress, and childhood adversity were risk factors for lower self-esteem. Mainstream American culture identification was not associated with self-esteem. Social support and immigrant community participation buffered the negative effects of discrimination on self-esteem, with generational differences observed. This study fills a key gap in social work by highlighting culturally grounded strategies to support African immigrants, while also advancing a broader understanding of leveraging cultural identity to nurture self-esteem.