The Relationship between Acculturation, Self-Esteem, and Home Visitation: A Portrait of Oxy Latinos/as

Abstract

We explored the predictive relationship of these variables for home visitation among students who are succeeding at a small, southern California, private college. 34 students, primarily juniors and seniors, completed an online survey and a face-to-face interview. Cultural identity was assessed using 4 different measures (generational distance, friendship diversity, and family consultation). Self-esteem was assessed in two ways to account for culture. The Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale was used to measure global individual self-esteem; Crocker?s Collective Self-Esteem scale was used to measure collective self-esteem. Home visitation was measured at 2 points in time, first and current semester, and through two types of visitation, quick drop-in and overnight visits. Results show that, as expected, students who live closer to home drop in more throughout the first and current semester. On average, however, students? patterns of home visitation declined as they continued in college (M=monthly during the first semester; M=twice during the current semester). Distance and Membership (.344) and Importance to Identity Self-Esteem (.462) significantly predicted home visitation. Individuals who lived closer to home drop in more. Individuals for whom being Latino is more important to their self concept visit home more. Individual who assess themselves as more worthy groups have more overnight visits. The findings add to the literature about Latinos/as in higher education and suggest that for these students a greater identification with Latino identity is a form of strength.