Acculturation and Linguistic Factors on International Students’ Self-Esteem and Language Confidence

Authors

  • Iris Y. Lopez Persona Neurobehavioral Group, United States
  • Ngoc H. Bui University of La Verne, United States

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v4i4.451

Keywords:

international students, acculturation, language confidence, self-esteem

Abstract

Acculturation and linguistic factors were examined as predictors of self-esteem and language confidence among 91 international college students. The majority of participants were Asian (64.8%), female (59.3%), and graduate students (76.9%). Assimilative (adopting host cultural values) and integrative (blending both host and home cultural values) modes of acculturation, less frequency of contact with host culture members, and lower quality of contact predicted higher self-esteem. Less social support and lower English language confidence also predicted higher self-esteem. Also, higher self-esteem was positively related to greater perceived daily hassles (minor stressors faced by students). Furthermore, longer length of stay and greater assimilation and integration scores significantly predicted greater English language confidence. Limitations and implications for international students and educational institutions are discussed.

Author Biographies

  • Iris Y. Lopez, Persona Neurobehavioral Group, United States

    Dr. Iris Lopez is a registered psychology assistant at Persona Neurobehavioral Group in South Pasadena, CA. She received her masters and doctorate degrees in clinical psychology from the University of La Verne. Her research interests include language and acculturation, neuropsychology, and traumatic brain injuries. 

  • Ngoc H. Bui, University of La Verne, United States

    Dr. Ngoc II. Bui is a tenured associate professor in the psychology department at the University of La Verne. She received her masters and doctorate degrees in social psychology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and her research interests include teaching and learning psychology, attitudes, procrastination, and media psychology.

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Published

2014-10-01

Issue

Section

Research Articles (English)

How to Cite

Acculturation and Linguistic Factors on International Students’ Self-Esteem and Language Confidence. (2014). Journal of International Students, 4(4), 314-329. https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v4i4.451