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Tridimensional (3D) Acculturation: Ethnic Identity and Psychological Functioning of Tricultural Jamaican Immigrants

Published Online:https://doi.org/10.1037/ipp0000019

This article replicates and extends understanding of tridimensional (3D) acculturation by investigating the ethnic identity and psychological functioning of tricultural Jamaican immigrant adults in the United States who juggle 3 cultural worlds in their daily lives (Jamaican, European American mainstream, and African American). Eighty middle-aged Jamaican immigrants (Mage = 50.5 years, 74% women) completed questionnaires reporting their acculturation, ethnic identity, life satisfaction, and psychological distress. Results replicated 3D acculturation, and triculturalism was prominent (nearly half of current sample). Ethnic identity search had stronger associations with acculturation and psychological functioning than did ethnic identity commitment. In addition, triculturals reported greater (though mild) psychological distress. Findings have both theoretical and clinical significance for Jamaican and other minority immigrants across nations who acculturate in 3D.

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