Acculturation attitudes and behaviours of first and second Salvadorian generations and their family functioning in relation to cohesion and flexibility

The present research which is based on a correlational perspective, examined the cultural orientation of Salvadorian immigrant parents and their adolescents in regard to their attitudes and behaviours towards Canadian and Latin-American cultures. This study also verified the relationship between their cultural orientation discrepancies and family cohesion and flexibility. The sample for this investigation was composed of thirty-seven (37) Latin-American Salvadorian families living in the metropolitan region of Quebec City. An assessment of the degree of acculturation between first and second generation as well as an assessment on family cohesion and flexibility were obtained. The statistical analysis (t-tests) results revealed a significant difference in the level of acculturation attitudes and behaviours between immigrant parents and their adolescents. Adolescents were indeed significantly more acculturated than their immigrant parents. Results of correlational analysis showed a partial relationship (three significant negative correlations) between intergenerational acculturation discrepancies and family cohesion and flexibility. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that only the score of the "mothers' schooling" when added to the score of differences in acculturation between parents and adolescents on behaviours towards the Canadian culture, could help increase the score to provide more explanation of the variability of family flexibility. In the discussion section of this study, the results were interpreted in the light of Berry's theory of acculturation, Olson's theory of family functioning, and General Systems Theory of family dynamics. Some methodological limitations were also identified, and recommendations pertinent to our research results were suggested.