Abstract
In multi-cultural states such as California, acculturation is an essential component in the current school dynamic. Immigrating students from a myriad of countries (such as Mexico and Latin America, Vietnam, Laos, Ukraine, Russia, just to name a few) have to deal with the processing of acculturating to a culturally different country. The authors have created a manual to help school psychologists and school counselors in identifying students who may be at risk for acculturation stressors, identifying what level of acculturation the students are at, as well as resources that can aide the school professional in dealing with unfamiliar cultures. The authors have reviewed peer-reviewed journals that focused on acculturation, acculturation models/theories, acculturative stress, mental health and acculturation. The literature review was assisted through the California State University Sacramento (CSUS) library website database (EUREKA). Search limits were put on the database such as English language, peer reviewed journals, pdf full text links if applicable. Search terms and keywords were the aforementioned terms of acculturation, acculturation models, acculturative stress, acculturation and mental health. The community resources section of the manual was obtained via an internet search for community resources. Search terms and keywords included Hispanic community resources, Asian American community resources, etc. Search restrictions were limited to Sacramento, CA. or Sacramento County. The authors’ conclusions are ensconced in their acculturation manual. The manual is a byproduct of their literature research. The research focused on the study of acculturation and its affects on school-aged individuals and their families. Additionally, possible school based interventions are reviewed and discussed to be used to aid with new immigrated students or refugee students.