Toward a micro-level perspective on acculturation among U.S. Hispanic college students: A daily diary study.

OBJECTIVE The present study introduces a daily, micro-level perspective on acculturation using a sample of Hispanic college students in Miami. METHODS We conducted a 12-day diary study with a sample of first- and second-generation Hispanic college students in Miami. Outcome variables were measured on Days 1 and 12, and acculturation components (practices, identities, and values) were measured on Days 2-11. Daily fluctuations in acculturation components between Days 2 and 11 were examined as predictors of well-being, internalizing symptoms, and externalizing problems on Day 12. RESULTS Fluctuations in comfort with speaking English negatively predicted three of the four well-being outcomes and positively predicted all of the internalizing and externalizing indicators. Fluctuations in collectivist values predicted two of the well-being outcomes and both anxiety and depressive symptoms, and fluctuations in ethnic identity predicted anxiety and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION Daily volatility in comfort with English, collectivist values, and ethnic identity appear to be most distressing.