Acculturation Tendencies in a Border Latino Population

The purpose of this study was to identify variables distinguishing more acculturated versus less acculturated Latinos residing near the United States– Mexico border. The study sample consisted of 438 participants ranging in age from 20 to 68 years. Data were gathered through a self-report survey instru-ment composed of items assessing acculturation, self-esteem, health, physical activity involvement, education, and marital status. Descriptive discriminant analysis was used to determine which variables made the greatest contri-bution in discerning between more acculturated and less acculturated bor-der Latinos. Results indicated educational attainment, higher self-esteem, and marriage differentiated between high- and low-acculturated participants with gender, health status, and physical activity showing no group differentiation