Description of the Scale

The Los Angeles Epidemiologic Catchment Area Acculturation Scale (LAECA-26) is a scale developed to measure the process of acculturation among populations residing in the United States, particularly in areas like Los Angeles, where there is a large concentration of immigrants and people with diverse cultural backgrounds. The scale includes 26 questions that assess acculturation across various dimensions such as language, social relationships, and cultural practices.

Data Analysis and Usage

Understanding Cultural Conflicts: It helps in understanding the challenges and conflicts that immigrants may face during the acculturation process, as well as how these challenges may impact their mental and social well-being.

Data Usage:

Research Tools: The scale is used in research to assess acculturation in different populations and to study the relationship between acculturation and mental health, social integration, and other important indicators of well-being.

Policy Creation: Information from the scale can be used to develop programs and policies that support the smooth acculturation of immigrants and other minorities into the host society.

Purpose

Assessment of Acculturation: The LAECA-26 is used to evaluate the extent to which individuals or populations adopt characteristics of the host culture while maintaining aspects of their cultural heritage.

Calibration

Data Collection: Participants respond to the scale’s questions based on their experiences with their cultural heritage and interactions with the host culture in their daily lives.

Data Analysis: The data is analyzed to determine the degree of acculturation and to identify patterns related to the preservation of cultural identity, adoption of new cultural elements, and social integration.

Bibliography

Marín, G., Sabogal, F., Marín, B. V., Otero-Sabogal, R., & Pérez-Stable, E. J. (1987). Development of a short acculturation scale for Hispanics. Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, 9(2), 183-205.

Burnam, M. A., Hough, R. L., Karno, M., Escobar, J. I., & Telles, C. A. (1987). Acculturation and lifetime prevalence of psychiatric disorders among Mexican Americans in Los Angeles. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 28(1), 89-102.

Berry, J. W. (1997). Immigration, acculturation, and adaptation. Applied Psychology, 46(1), 5-34.