INTEGRATING AFRICAN-CENTERED WORLDVIEW AND ACCULTURATION AS PREDICTORS OF POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGICAL OUTCOMES IN AFRICAN AMERICANS

Author

Bedford Eugene Frank Palmer II, Southern Illinois University CarbondaleFollow

Date of Award

8-1-2012

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Chwalisz, Kathleen

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine potential relationships between African-centered cultural factors and psychological outcomes in adults who are of African descent. Current literature was reviewed in order to provide an understanding of the development and conceptualization of African-centered theories of worldview and acculturation as cultural constructs. Four hypotheses were tested, 1a) greater African-centered worldview is expected to be associated with higher self-esteem, and 1b) lower psychological distress, 2a) relationships between African-centered worldview and self-esteem, and 2b) African-centered worldview and psychological distress would be moderated by acculturative strategy. Survey packets containing the Worldview Analysis Scale (Obasi et al., 2009), the Measurement of Acculturation Strategies for People of African Descent scale (Obasi & Leong, 2010), the Outcome Questionnaire (OQ-45; Lambert et al., 2004) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE; Rosenberg, 1965), were given to 99 participants in a community sample of people of African descent. Two hierarchal regressions were used to calculate the associations. Significant relationships were found between African-centered worldview and self-esteem, as well as African-centered worldview and psychological distress. Insufficient statistical power may have contributed to the inability to identify a moderator effect for acculturation strategy. Results were discussed in relation to building strength based cultural approaches to psychological theory, research, and practice.