Demographic and Psychosocial Correlates of Bicultural Competence Among Latinx Early Adolescents

Abstract

Theories posit that bicultural competence, the ability to negotiate between U.S. mainstream and ethnic cultures, is an important developmental process relevant to Latinx adolescents. Although limited empirical research has suggested that bicultural competence is broadly associated with psychosocial outcomes, more research is needed to identify the associations of distinct dimensions of bicultural competence. The current study examined demographic and psychosocial correlates of dimensions of bicultural competence (i.e., comfort, facility, and advantages) among Latinx early adolescents (N = 207). Bicultural advantages differed by generational status. No differences emerged by gender on dimensions of bicultural competence. Bicultural facility was associated with higher academic-self efficacy and better grades, whereas bicultural comfort was associated with fewer depressive symptoms. These findings have important implications for later developmental outcomes as they suggest that dimensions of bicultural competence may benefit Latinx early adolescents differentially.