Acculturation and violence in minority adolescents

This chapter provides a comprehensive review of research linking acculturation and violent behavior for adolescents of three minority populations: Latino, Asian/ Pacific Islander (A/ PI), and American Indian/ Alaskan Native (AI/ AN). Studies on Latino and A/ PI youth indicate that higher levels of adolescent assimilation were a risk factor for violence. Ethnic group identity or culture of origin involvement appear to be cultural assets against youth violence, with supporting evidence from studies on A/ PI youth; however, more studies are needed on Latino and AI/ AN youth. Although some evidence shows low acculturation or cultural marginality to be a risk factor for higher levels of fear, victimization, and being bullied, low acculturation also serves as a protective factor against dating violence victimization for Latino youth. An emerging trend, in both the Latino and A/ PI youth literature, shows the impact of acculturation processes on youth aggression and violence can be mediated by family dynamics.