Acculturation

Overview

Acculturation is the process through which immigrants adjust to the mainstream culture of their newly adopted home. For some, the process of adjusting to a new culture can be very difficult. Individuals may feel discomfort because of perceptions of being uprooted, loss of social status, altered family roles in the new country and perceptions of being excluded and discriminated against. New immigrants are often poor, underemployed, and may also experience loneliness and anxiety. Immigrants experiencing stress due to adjustment difficulties may turn to gambling as a way to cope.

Key Points

Research suggests that poor acculturation is associated with increased risk of harmful gambling. In addition, migrant groups often include refugees who have suffered physical and emotional trauma and are frequently characterized by high rates of gambling problems. However, little is known about the precise link between trauma and harmful gambling. For immigrants, casinos may become a place to meet with compatriots, as they are perceived to be welcoming, safe, multi-cultural settings not based on alcohol consumption or courting between men and women.

Search the Evidence Centre for Acculturation

References

Raylu, N., & Oei, T. P. (2004). Role of culture in gambling and problem gambling. Clinical psychology review, 23(8), 1087-1114.

Young, M. M., Sztainert, T., & Santoro, M. (2010). The treatment and prevention of problem gambling in Ontario ethno-cultural communities [Research Report]. Guelph, ON: Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre.