Acculturation, child rearing, and self-esteem in two North American Indian tribes

Lefley, Harriet P.

article

Acculturation, child rearing, and self-esteem in two North American Indian tribes

Ethos • 4 (3) • Published In 1976 • Pages: 385-401

By: Lefley, Harriet P..

Abstract
This study deals with acculturation and psychological health (i.e., self-esteem) among the two polities of the Seminoles of Florida -- the Miccosukee traditionalists, and the more acculturalted Seminole proper. Lefely examines two major factors which have had a direct influence on the development of self-esteem among the two subgroups, acculturation and child rearing practices. As the result of several tests designed to measure self-concepts (e.g., the Pine-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale, Word-Rating Scales, and a modified version of the Parent Attitude Research Instrument) which were administred to the children of the Miccosukee and Seminole day schools and their mothers, the author concludes that a traditonal group, such as the Miccosukee, rate significantly higher in positive self-regard than a more acculturated group, the Seminole proper. This statement is basically in accord with the anthropological literature and with studies of contemporary cultures (p. 396),

Tests and schedules administered in the field

Organization and analysis of results of research

Social personality

Acculturation and culture contact

Cultural participation

Family relationships

Child care

Seminole

HRAF PubDate

2003

Region

North America