THE PSYCHOLOGICAL MODEL OF ACCULTURATION: JOHN BERRY’S THEORY AND CONTEMPORARY STUDIES

Abstract

This paper examines the psychological model of acculturation developed by John Berry and its relevance in contemporary research on migration, cultural adaptation, and intercultural relations. Berry’s theory identifies four acculturation strategies—integration, assimilation, separation, and marginalization—based on individuals’ orientations toward maintaining their heritage culture and engaging with the host society. The study reviews recent empirical findings that expand and critically evaluate Berry’s framework, emphasizing the influence of contextual factors such as discrimination, social support, identity development, and public integration policies on psychological well-being and sociocultural adjustment. Contemporary studies demonstrate that acculturation is a dynamic, multidimensional process rather than a fixed outcome, shaped by interactions between individuals and their social environments. While integration is generally associated with more positive psychological and social outcomes, its effectiveness depends on inclusive institutional and societal conditions. The paper highlights both the enduring significance and the limitations of Berry’s model in explaining the diverse experiences of migrants in increasingly globalized and multicultural societies. It concludes that Berry’s theory remains a foundational framework for understanding acculturation while benefiting from recent theoretical and methodological developments.