Moderators of bicultural self-efficacy and mental health among Asian Americans

Abstract

The relationship between acculturation and mental health among Asian Americans has been established. For example, the integration strategy, often associated with bicultural competence, has been shown to positively predict well-being and self-esteem, and negatively predict various indicators of distress (Nguyen, Messe, & Stollak, 1999; Oh, Koeske, & Sales, 2002; Yoon, Lee, & Goh, 2008). Further, biculturalism (Chen, Benet-Martinez, & Bond, 2008) and bicultural self-efficacy (David, Okazaki, & Saw, 2009) have been associated with positive mental health outcomes among Asian Americans. That is, perceiving oneself as capable of navigating various domains (e.g., values, behaviors) within two cultures is associated with better mental health. Little is known, however, regarding the factors that may influence the strength of this relationship. Thus, the present study aimed to identify some moderating factors of the relationship between bicultural self-efficacy and mental health among Asian Americans. Considering previous research examining the factors associated with acculturation and mental health (Berry, 1980; Nguyen & Benet-Martinez, 2007; Padilla, 2006), it was hypothesized that bicultural identity integration, cognitive flexibility, psychological flexibility, and resilience would each moderate the relationship between bicultural self-efficacy and satisfaction with life, and between bicultural self-efficacy and psychological distress. Results indicated that bicultural identity integration approached significance, indicating that of all the hypotheses presented in this study, it may be the only moderator of the relationship between bicultural self-efficacy and life satisfaction. Thus, viewing two cultures as compatible may act as a protective factor, or buffer, against the negative effects of low bicultural self-efficacy on some aspects of mental health. Further, the null findings suggest that the relationships between the measured variables may be more complex than simple moderation. It is recommended that future research continue to explore and test moderation and mediation models, while considering alternative measures and specific subscales. Recommended service implications for Asian Americans include interventions geared to increase one's level of bicultural identity integration or bicultural selfefficacy, as well as to encourage systems or communities to provide the appropriate resources needed to do so.