Acculturated and Acultura’os: Testing Bidimensional Acculturation Across Central Florida and Island Puerto Ricans

Objectives: Two studies and data sources were used to empirically compare and cross-validate three bidimensional acculturation measurement models. Method: Following a cross-sectional design and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), Study 1 examined the models in a sample of Central Florida Puerto Ricans (n = 484). In Study 2, the measurement model was retested on a separate sample of island Puerto Ricans (n = 399). To ensure adequate comparisons across the two samples, measurement invariance tests were performed. Results: A bidimensional six-factor model (B6F) resulted in the best model fit for both samples. Results indicated full configural, metric, uniqueness, factor variance, covariance, and partial scalar invariance between the 2 groups. An examination of mean differences between the samples revealed that Central Florida Puerto Ricans had a significantly stronger endorsement of Puerto Rican and European American values than those living in the island. Conclusions: This examination revealed that both groups share the same acculturation structure. That is, acculturation among Central Florida and island Puerto Ricans can be conceptualized as a bidimensional construct of simultaneous adherence to Puerto Rican and European American cultural aspects across behavioral, values, and ethnic identity domains. The B6F model of island Puerto Rican acculturation suggests that even in the absence of a migration experience, island Puerto Ricans may experience bidimensional and multifaceted acculturation