The Acculturation and Adaptation of Turkish Adolescents in North-Western Europe

The present study explores the process of cultural and psychological change that follows intercultural contact (i.e., acculturation) and the wellbeing and social adjustment of 736 Turkish immigrant adolescents aged 13–18 living in six countries: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Perceived discrimination was the strongest negative predictor of their adaptation outcomes, whereas a combined orientation to the ethnic culture and the national culture was conducive to adaptation. One’s country of origin clearly had an impact on the acculturation orientations of the immigrant and on his=her perceived discrimination. The actual cultural diversity characteristic of countries is indicative of a broad context in which the impact of acculturation experiences on adaptation outcomes is invigorated or weakened. Practical implications are discussed.