Identity and Acculturation in Immigrant and Second Generation Adolescents

The experience of immigration presents developmental challenges to adolescents that can lead to negative mental health outcomes, or can result in resiliency, psychological growth and enrichment of the personality structure. This article reviews the most recent demographics and research findings of the first and second generation immigrant adolescents in the United States. It explains the psychodynamic processes of migration and acculturation, and the risk factors and protective factors that affect these adolescents. Finally, it offers some suggestions regarding treatment approaches with this population.