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In today’s globalised world, people are interacting with different cultural streams every day, which can challenge the individual’s rootedness in regard to their identity. The purpose of the present study is to examine the relationship between social identity and well-being in terms of satisfaction with life, and to examine whether the individual’s reaction to cultural globalisation mediates this relationship. The individual’s reaction to cultural globalisation was operationalised as a proactive (multicultural acquisition) or defensive (ethnic protection) reaction. The study examined students in India ( n = 147) and Denmark ( n = 223). The results showed that social identity was positively related to well-being in Denmark but negatively related to well-being in India. Moreover, it showed that social identity and well-being was mediated by a defensive reaction to cultural globalisation in both contexts. The results indicate that cultural differences affect how the individual reacts to cultural globalisation and, further, how social identity and well-being are related. Therefore, the relationship between social identity and well-being in globalised contexts is complex and it is relevant to include the individual’s reaction to cultural globalisation when comprehending the role of social identity in globalised societies.

Understanding the psychological processes that drive violent extremism is a pressing global issue. Across six studies, we demonstrate that perceived cultural threats lead to violent extremism because they increase people’s need for cognitive closure (NFC). In general population samples (from Denmark, Afghanistan, Pakistan, France, and an international sample) and a sample of former Mujahideen in Afghanistan, single-level and multilevel mediation analyses revealed that NFC mediated the association between perceived cultural threats and violent extremist outcomes. Further, in comparisons between the sample of former Afghan Mujahideen and the general population sample from Afghanistan following the known-group paradigm, the former Mujahideen scored significantly higher on cultural threat, NFC, and violent extremist outcomes. Moreover, the proposed model successfully differentiated former Afghan Mujahideen participants from the general Afghan participants. Next, two preregistered experiments provided causal support for the model. Experimentally manipulating the predictor (cultural threat) in Pakistan led to higher scores on the mediator (NFC) and dependent variables (violent extremist outcomes). Finally, an experiment conducted in France demonstrated the causal effect of the mediator (NFC) on violent extremist outcomes. Two internal meta-analyses using state-of-the-art methods (i.e., meta-analytic structural equation modeling and pooled indirect effects analyses) further demonstrated the robustness of our results across the different extremist outcomes, designs, populations, and settings. Cultural threat perceptions seem to drive violent extremism by eliciting a need for cognitive closure.

Radicalization—as a complex process of adopting extremist attitudes—includes maladaptive responses to the transformative power of globalization. Globalization contains sociocultural disruptive and acculturative processes, initiating exclusionary and integrative reactions. These reactions have dissimilarly been associated with aspects of extremism. In seven preregistered studies ( N = 2,161), we draw on various methods combining naturalistic circumstances, cross-sectional, longitudinal, experimental, and representative data to scrutinize the complex globalization–radicalization nexus within the contexts of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Pakistan. Our results provide empirical support for the hypothesis that insecure life attachment (i.e., experience of contextual safety, inclusiveness, reliability, fairness, and facilitating well-being) and globalization perceived as a threat can lead to extremism through defensive reactions to globalization. Specifically, we found ethnic protection to be a central mechanism connecting sociocultural disruption and threats with extremism. Globalized radicalization ascends as a contemporary phenomenon reflecting the dark side of global interconnectivity.

The present article proposes an extension of the concept of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) to apply to crisis migration – where youth and families are fleeing armed conflicts, natural disasters, community violence, government repression, and other large-scale emergencies. We propose that adverse events occurring prior to, during, and following migration can be classified as crisis-migration-related ACEs, and that the developmental logic underlying ACEs can be extended to the new class of crisis-migration-related ACEs. Specifically, greater numbers, severity, and chronicity of crisis-migration-related ACEs would be expected to predict greater impairments in mental and physical health, poorer interpersonal relationships, and less job stability later on. We propose a research agenda centered around definitional clarity, rigorous measurement development, prospective longitudinal studies to establish predictive validity, and collaborations among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.

Cultural globalization affects most people around the world in contemporary, modern societies. The resulting intercultural contact have been examined using the theory of globalization-based acculturation. However, little is known about possible differences and similarities in processes underlying the effects of direct (e.g., through contact with immigrants) and indirect (e.g., engagement with cultural elements through media) forms of new cultural exposure. Drawing on the contact hypothesis, social identity theory, and symbolic threat theory, we examined whether perceived intercultural threat and local and global identities would explain whether both forms of contact result in multicultural acquisition or in ethnic protection. In Study 1 (N = 402), indirect, but not direct, intercultural contact was positively associated with multicultural acquisition; and both types of intercultural contact were negatively linked with ethnic protection. Global identity significantly mediated the association of both direct and indirect intercultural contact with both multicultural acquisition and ethnic protection, whereas perceived cultural threat only significantly mediated the associations of direct intercultural contact with multicultural acquisition and ethnic protection. In Study 2 (N = 424), higher levels of ethnic protection, and lower levels of multicultural acquisition, emerged in the experimental group primed with indirect, versus direct, intercultural contact. Furthermore, intercultural threat was negatively, and global identity positively, associated with multicultural acquisition, while intercultural threat was positively, and global identity negatively, associated with ethnic protection. Results are discussed in relation to similarities and differences across direct and indirect intercultural contact, providing a nuanced understanding of contemporary intercultural contact and globalization-based acculturation among majority populations. Cultural globalization affects most people around the world in contemporary, modern societies. The resulting intercultural contact have been examined using the theory of globalization-based acculturation. However, little is known about possible differences and similarities in processes underlying the effects of direct (e.g., through contact with immigrants) and indirect (e.g., engagement with cultural elements through media) forms of new cultural exposure. Drawing on the contact hypothesis, social identity theory, and symbolic threat theory, we examined whether perceived intercultural threat and local and global identities would explain whether both forms of contact result in multicultural acquisition or in ethnic protection. In Study 1 (N = 402), indirect, but not direct, intercultural contact was positively associated with multicultural acquisition; and both types of intercultural contact were negatively linked with ethnic protection. Global identity significantly mediated the association of both direct and indirect intercultural contact with both multicultural acquisition and ethnic protection, whereas perceived cultural threat only significantly mediated the associations of direct intercultural contact with multicultural acquisition and ethnic protection. In Study 2 (N = 424), higher levels of ethnic protection, and lower levels of multicultural acquisition, emerged in the experimental group primed with indirect, versus direct, intercultural contact. Furthermore, intercultural threat was negatively, and global identity positively, associated with multicultural acquisition, while intercultural threat was positively, and global identity negatively, associated with ethnic protection. Results are discussed in relation to similarities and differences across direct and indirect intercultural contact, providing a nuanced understanding of contemporary intercultural contact and globalization-based acculturation among majority populations.

Increased immigration and demographic changes have not only resulted in political pushback, but also in violent attacks against immigrants. Several recent terrorist attacks committed by White supremacists invoke rhetoric around a deliberate attempt to make Whites extinct and replace them with non-Western immigrants. Yet, while it is widely acknowledged among extremism researchers that this perception of orchestrated extinction or replacement has tremendous potential to lead to violent extremism, its consequences have not yet been directly examined. Using the Scandinavian context (e.g., Denmark and Norway), in two correlational studies and one experiment, we provide evidence that this perception is associated with the persecution of Muslims, violent intentions, and Islamophobia. Further, we demonstrate that these associations are mediated by symbolic threats. Conspiracy beliefs that one’s group is being replaced seem to drive hostile intergroup attitudes. We discuss the societal implications of this finding (i.e., generating fear, polarization, and hostile public opinion towards immigrants).

Ladakhi emerging adults have been exposed to cultural globalization through interaction with tourists and media, as well as through prolonged stays at globalized university contexts in major Indian cities. This globalization process has been hypothesized as detrimental to psychological health, in part because it poses the challenge of integrating a local Ladakhi identity with a global Western cultural identity. In the present study, we examined how exposure to cultural globalization and bicultural identity integration (tendency to bring together one’s local and global identities) moderates the positive links of Ladakhi and Western cultural orientation with psychological well-being among Ladakhis studying in Delhi ( N = 196). We found that exposure to cultural globalization did not affect the positive association between cultural orientation and psychological well-being. Moreover, bicultural harmony and blendedness were associated with a weaker relationship between Ladakhi cultural orientation and psychological well-being and, additionally, a stronger association between Western cultural orientation and well-being. Our results highlight contemporary challenges related to being both local and global in a culturally globalized context.

Self-control has been established as an important factor in various domains of life, significant for general well-being; thus, a self-induced lack of selfcontrolmay prove detrimental for well-being. Self-induced lack of self-control may stem from implicit beliefs about self-control as a limited resource, butresearch has shown this belief to be unwarranted. Furthermore, it has been shown that a belief about self-control resources as unlimited has a positiveeffect on many domains in life and ultimately on well-being. This study addresses the question of antecedent beliefs about self-control resources andproposes personal Grip on Life, defined as skill-based goal setting and goal approaches, as a possible antecedent. This points to development ofinterventions altering a limited belief to an unlimited belief based on empowerment of one’s Grip on Life Self-control has been established as an important factor in various domains of life, significant for general well-being; thus, a self-induced lack of self-control may prove detrimental for well-being. Self-induced lack of self-control may stem from implicit beliefs about self-control as a limited resource, but research has shown this belief to be unwarranted. Furthermore, it has been shown that a belief about self-control resources as unlimited has a positive effect on many domains in life and ultimately on well-being. This study addresses the question of antecedent beliefs about self-control resources and proposes personal Grip on Life, defined as skill-based goal setting and goal approaches, as a possible antecedent. This points to development of interventions altering a limited belief to an unlimited belief based on empowerment of one's Grip on Life.

Local contexts have been increasingly influenced by the transformative power of cultural globalization. These dynamic processes have proliferated intercultural connectivity, catalyzing both exclusionary reactions of ethnic protection and integrative reactions of multicultural acquisition. To be able to negotiate a globalized cultural diversity, the individual needs to be securely and reliably embedded within the local sociocultural context conceptualized as secure life attachment. The present study investigates the interplay among life attachment, psychological reactions to cultural globalization, and various aspects of radicalization in student samples from Denmark (n = 223) and India (n = 254). Results reveal that insecure life attachment was directly associated with anextremist attitude and with endorsement of both violent and illegal means in relation to extremism. Furthermore, multicultural acquisition and ethnic protection appear to mediate the relationship between insecure life attachment and various aspects of radicalization. Insecure life attachment relates to an extremist attitude and acceptance of illegal means in relation to extremismthrough ethnic protection. Additionally, insecure life attachment is associated with acceptance of illegal means in relation to extremism through both ethnic protection and multicultural acquisition. The results illustrate the key role of contextual safety and reliability as platforms for approaching cultural globalization and avoiding radicalized essentialist pitfalls.

Do minority-group members welcome or reject that majority-group members adopt other cultures? Acculturation is commonly defined as a process of mutualaccommodation. Yet, the acculturation of majority-group members has only recently received research attention. To date, we do not know the extent to which minority-group members expect majority-group members to adopt the culture of minority groups and/or to maintain their mainstream culture. Knowledge is also lacking about how these expectations relate to minority-group members’ own acculturation orientations and symbolic and realistic threat perceptions. We also do not know whether such associations are similar among minority- and majority-group members. To address these gaps, we surveyed 246 Muslim minority-group members and 247 White Christian majority-group members in the United Kingdom. Muslim minority-group members’ acculturation expectations towards majority-group members were normally distributed around the midpoint of the scale, suggesting that they did not reject majority-group acculturation on average. Acculturation expectations were correlated with symbolic and realistic threat perceptions among majority-group members but not among minority-group members. Cluster analyses showed that integrated Muslim minority-group members found it relatively important for majority-group members to adopt minority-group culture and to maintain their own culture. In sum, the results support the idea that minority-group members, at least in some contexts and settings, view acculturation as a mutual cultural change rather than as cultural appropriation.

The present study was designed to examine the extent to which, in a sample of 873 Hispanic college students, daily levels of, and variability in, well-being would mediate the predictive effects of culturally related stressors (discrimination, negative context of reception, and bicultural stress) on internalizing and externalizing symptoms 11 days later. A 12-day daily diary design was utilized, where reports of cultural stressors were gathered on Day 1, daily well-being reports were gathered on Days 2-11, and outcomes were measured on Day 12 (with controls for Day 1 levels of these same outcomes). Structural equation modeling results indicated that daily means of, and variability in, well-being significantly mediated the predictive effect of Day 1 ethnic/racial discrimination, negative context of reception, and bicultural stress on Day 12 symptoms of anxiety and depression. No effects emerged for externalizing symptoms. When we decomposed the latent well-being variability construct into its component indicators (self-esteem, life satisfaction, psychological well-being/self-acceptance, and eudaimonic well-being), daily variability in life satisfaction and self-acceptance appeared to be primarily responsible for the mediated predictive effects we observed. These results are discussed in terms of implications for further research, for counseling practice, and for the development of more inclusive university practices and policies. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Societal lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed everyday life across the globe, including requirements of social distancing which might limit the social support people derive from social interaction. Social support has proven to be a vital resource for well-being (i.e., perceived stress and satisfaction with life) and coping during societal challenges. The present study examined how social support is associated with perceived stress and life satisfaction through self-efficacy and self-esteem among Danish students (N = 204). These psychological constructs were examined both during and after lockdown, assessing the possible aversive psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results did not yield any significant changes in either the mean scores of the constructs or the indirect effects model across the two timepoints. Moreover, the results indicate that social support derived from a significant person, family, and friends—but not student peers—is negatively linked with perceived stress and positively associated with life satisfaction through both self-efficacy and self-esteem. Although societal lockdown did not yield significant psychological impact, the results highlight the importance of social support among students, both during and after lockdown.

Cultural globalization, which has led to increased intercultural contact, has emerged as a defining influence on contemporary societies worldwide. In the present study, we examined individual differences in endorsement of multicultural acquisition and ethnic protection, as well as their links with well-being indirectly through dimensions of personal identity development, in a sample of Danish emerging adults (N=377;Mage=22.68;SD=2.25). Results indicate that a defensive reaction to cultural globalization, characterized by endorsement of ethnic protection, was directly and negatively associated with psychological well-being, whereas a proactive reaction characterized by multicultural acquisition was positively and indirectly linked to well-being through identification with identity commitments and through reflective identity exploration in depth. In terms of direct links between identity dimensions and well-being outcomes, identification with commitments was linked with satisfaction with life and with the hedonic dimension of psychological well-being, and reflexive exploration in depth was associated with the eudaimonic dimension of psychological well-being. These findings emphasize, within a Western cultural context, the ways in which an ethnic-protectionist approach to viewing diversity can be detrimental to well-being – and that embracing diversity may help to facilitate well-being. Cultural globalization, which has led to increased intercultural contact, has emerged as a defining influence on contemporary societies worldwide. In the present study, we examined individual differences in endorsement of multicultural acquisition and ethnic protection, as well as their links with well-being indirectly through dimensions of personal identity development, in a sample of Danish emerging adults (N= 377;M age = 22.68;SD = 2.25). Results indicate that a defensive reaction to cultural globalization, characterized by endorsement of ethnic protection, was directly and negatively associated with psychological well-being, whereas a proactive reaction characterized by multicultural acquisition was positively and indirectly linked to well-being through identification with identity commitments and through reflective identity exploration in depth. In terms of direct links between identity dimensions and well-being outcomes, identification with commitments was linked with satisfaction with life and with the hedonic dimension of psychological well-being, and reflexive exploration in depth was associated with the eudaimonic dimension of psychological well-being. These findings emphasize, within a Western cultural context, the ways in which an ethnic-protectionist approach to viewing diversity can be detrimental to well-being–and that embracing diversity may help to facilitate well-being.

In contemporary globalized societies, the number of foreign workers is increasing, resulting in greater intercultural contact and adaptation. Foreign workers apply their cultural intelligence when adapting to and working in multicultural environments, resulting in afliations with both their cultural heritage and their destination cultural stream. We examined foreign workers’ (N = 264) intercultural adaptation in the globalized context of Denmark. We found that cultural intelligence was directly and positively linked with adaptable work performance. Furthermore, cultural intelligence was indirectly and negativelyassociated with sociocultural adaptation difficulties through endorsement of Danish culture. Likewise, perceived negative context of reception wasindirectly and positively associated with sociocultural adaptation difficulties through low endorsement of Danish culture. Additionally, perceived stresspredicted adaptable work performance, whereas perceived context of reception and sociocultural adaptation difficulties did not. Overall, our results suggestinvolvement in the destination culture as a culturally intelligent way of applying one’s cultural capabilities, suggesting that the perceived context ofreception is of great importance for helping foreign workers adapt to their destination cultural environments.

The school system increasingly focuses on the students’ grip on life challenges in general. In this article, a life-psychological approach to the development of a general grip on life is tested. The method can be implemented in schools, such as public schools, in high school, as well as in youth education programs. Such implementations can often be organizationally and financially costly, which is why the applicability of the method is tested as a cost-neutral, self-administered method among high school students. The results show that the life-psychological method and its tools can be successfully implemented in a self-administered way regarding development of a good grip on life and its challenges.

Student life has been characterized both as challenging and as facilitative of future success. During the college years, emerging adults develop vocational competencies at the same time as they develop their sense of themselves and of their involvement in the world. In the current study, we examined the interplay among academic motivation, features of emerging adulthood, and psychological adaptation in relation to life satisfaction, psychological well-being, and perceived stress among Danish university students (N = 377). Results indicated direct and positive associations of autonomous motivation with life satisfaction, as well as a direct negative link between controlled motivation and psychological well-being. Furthermore, autonomous motivation was indirectly and positively associated with life satisfaction and psychological well-being, and negatively related to perceived stress, through experiences of life possibilities and experimentation. Controlled motivation was indirectly and positively associated with perceived stress through identity exploration. Our results underscore the importance of considering not only vocational competencies, but also personal interests and motivation, when designing educational curricula.

Uncertainty, perceived threats, and a generally insecure life attachment have been associated with endorsement of extremism. Furthermore, salient identification with a group can influence radicalized ways of addressing insecure life attachment through an established and sometimes extreme worldview and ideology. In the present study, we replicated the finding that an insecure life attachment is associated with a higher degree of extremism endorsement. Furthermore, we found similarities and differences in how this association was influenced by various aspects of group membership across dissimilar contexts and among majority and minority groups (e.g., Muslims and non-Muslims) from Denmark (n = 223), India (n = 147), and the United Kingdom (n = 225). Consequently, our results indicate that general social psychological processes underlie radicalization and that different aspects of collective self-esteem can be central promoting or mitigating factors. Overall, our findings suggest an important interplay among life attachment, collective self-esteem, and extremism across Western and non-Western majority and minority groups. Uncertainty, perceived threats, and a generally insecure life attachment have been associated with endorsement of extremism. Furthermore, salient identification with a group can influence radicalized ways of addressing insecure life attachment through an established and sometimes extreme worldviewand ideology. In the present study, we replicated the finding that an insecure life attachment is associated with a higher degree of extremism endorsement. Furthermore, we found similarities and differences in how this association was influenced by various aspects of group membership across dissimilar contexts and among majority and minority groups (e.g., Muslims and non-Muslims) from Denmark (n = 223), India (n = 147), and the United Kingdom (n = 225). Consequently, our results indicate that general social psychological processes underlie radicalization and that different aspects of collective self-esteem can be central promoting or mitigating factors. Overall, our findings suggest animportant interplay among life attachment, collective self-esteem, and extremism across Western and non-Western majority and minority groups.

Life psychology is an integrative framework theory centered on how individuals employ their generic life skills in handling everyday life tasks and reaching life goals. Indeed, the theory relates to the accelerating complexity of contemporary globalized societies and how we need generic life skills in order to successfully navigate through a fluid and dynamic context. Within the theory of life psychology, ten life skills have been identified and these are categorized into 1) participation in life, 2) realistic attunement, and 3) perspective taking. The present paper describes the development and validation of a new measure tapping into these three categories as well as an overall aggregated dimension of life skills. Our analyses indicate that the scale holds a solid factor structure. Furthermore, convergent validity was established through the related concepts of self-determination and self-efficacy, and predictive validity was examined in relation to life satisfaction. Our scale holds great implications in regard to developing the empirical foundation for research in the field of life psychology. Life psychology is an integrative framework theory centered on how individuals employ their generic life skills in handling everyday life tasks and reaching life goals. Indeed, the theory relates to the accelerating complexity of contemporary globalized societies and how we need generic life skills in order to successfully navigate through a fluid and dynamic context. Within the theory of life psychology, ten life skills have been identified and these are categorized into (1) participation in life, (2) realistic attunement, and (3) perspective taking. The present paper describes the development and validation of a new measure tapping into these three categories as well as an overall aggregated dimension of life skills. Our analyses indicate that the scale holds a solid factor structure. Furthermore, convergent validity was established through the related concepts of self-determination and self-efficacy, and predictive validity was examined in relation to life satisfaction. Our scale holds great implications in regard to developing the empirical foundation for research in the field of life psychology.

The present study investigated the interplay among deficient life skills, moral disengagement, and extremist attitude across two national contexts. Using a sample of young students in high school or college (N = 686), the present study found significant indirect effects between deficient life skills (agency and structure) and various aspects of an extremist mindset through moral disengagement. These findings suggest that these two psychological concepts of life skills and moral disengagement are relevant for understanding and countering violent radicalization processes; that is to say that morality can direct the life skills toward either violent extremism or nonviolent, legal civil participation. Furthermore, the development and empowerment of life skills could enhance individual resilience to morally disengaging narratives and radicalized ideologies.

Life psychology has emerged as an integrative framework theory that has been applied in interventions preventing and countering radicalization processes. Central to this theory is the experience of living in a safe and secure sociocultural context, designated as life attachment and conceptualized as a root cause of radicalization. Furthermore, the theory emphasizes the interplay between generic life tasks (e.g., participating in community activities) and skills (e.g., taking one's own and others' perspectives into consideration) through which the individual can develop and reach a good-enough life attachment. A deficiency in development of life skills is a risk factor, as it functions as an underlying mechanism regarding the relationship between insecure life attachment and extremism. Through cross-national samples from the United States (n = 322) and Denmark (n = 364), the present article operationalizes and validates the central concepts of life skills and life attachment. Furthermore, these measures are examined in a statistical model hypothesizing insecure life attachment as a root cause in relation to violent extremism and deficient life skills as a risk factor. Consequently, the study draws attention to how generic life skills can be developed as a way of preventing and countering radicalization.

Cultural interconnectivity motivated by globalisation has transformed societies and interpersonal interactions around the world. Furthermore, on a psychological level, individuals are intensely influenced by the new contextual complexity challenging the processes of developing a sense of belonging and a sense of self. This article discusses and integrates relevant psychological theories for approaching the psychological study of cultural globalisation. This integration is done by pragmatically drawing from various psychological theories concerning cultural interaction and psychological development, specifically globalisation-based acculturation, biculturalism, dialogical self and identity theories. Two general reactions towards cultural globalisation are identified as exclusionary and integrative ways of either accepting or rejecting new cultural influences. In addition to the adaptation to cultural globalisation, an individual’s sense of self and belonging is developed through levels of cultural, social and personal identities. Furthermore, locally embedded identity challenges related to these general reaction patterns towards cultural globalisation could emerge as identity confusion and extremism. The article argues that the psychological study of cultural globalisation is an integral emerging field of research, which is appropriately developed through an integration of acculturation and identity research.

Theories and methodologies within acculturation psychology have been advanced in order to capture the complex process of intercultural contact in various contexts. Differentiating globalization-based acculturation from immigrant-based acculturation has broadened the field of acculturation psychology to include groups who are exposed to global cultural streams without international migration. The globalization-based acculturation process in the North Indian region of Ladakh appears to be a tricultural encounter, suggesting an addendum to the bidimensional acculturation model for this group (and perhaps for others as well). This study explores the development, usability, and validity of a tridimensional acculturation measure aiming to capture the multicultural orientations initiated by the process of globalization in Ladakh. The tridimensional acculturation scale was found to fit the data significantly better compared to the bidimensional scale. Implications for the study of globalization-based acculturation are discussed.

OBJECTIVES Around the world, the transformative power of globalization has increased intercultural connectivity, initiated sociocultural change, and broadened the possibilities for diverse life trajectories. These developments have increased the number of individuals within non-Western contexts who experience emerging adulthood as a developmental life stage between adolescence and adulthood. Central to this life stage is identity development, which has become increasingly challenging during times of rapid sociocultural change. The present study investigated the interplay among cultural orientation, personal identity development, and psychological well-being during the processes of globalization-based acculturation in the North Indian Himalayan region of Ladakh. METHOD A sample of 487 Ladakhi college students studying in Leh (72.9% female) and Delhi (48.0% female), ranging in age from 17 to 28 years, completed self-report questionnaires about cultural orientation, personal identity development, and psychological well-being. RESULTS Local Ladakhi cultural endorsement was not directly associated with psychological well-being. Furthermore, both personal identity exploration and commitment appeared to mediate the relationship between cultural endorsement and psychological well-being. Endorsement of traditional Ladakhi and Indian cultural streams was related to identity commitment and indirectly to psychological well-being. Endorsement of the global Western cultural stream was associated with identity exploration and indirectly with psychological well-being. CONCLUSION Results illustrate the key role of personal identity among indigenous non-Western emerging adults exposed to cultural globalization. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Identity research has flourished in recent years based on the theoretical foundation proposed by Erikson. Identity development is generally conceptualized as a process occurring through an interplay between the individual and her or his social context. Consequently, one of the challenges facing identity research is to become more culturally sensitive—that is, to examine whether models and theories of identity work as expected in various cultural contexts. Luyckx et al.’s (2008) identity model proposes five identity exploration and commitment processes, and a survey instrument was developed to assess these processes. The current study tests this Dimensions of Identity Development Scale (DIDS) in an indigenous population of emerging adults from Ladakh. Results confirm the central dimensions of identity exploration and commitment. However, the original DIDS structure was not identically replicated in this population, suggesting that identity models should be developed or adapted to the specific sociocultural context.

Local contexts have been increasingly influenced by the transformative power of cultural globalization. These dynamic processes have proliferated intercultural connectivity, catalyzing both exclusionary reactions of ethnic protection and integrative reactions of multicultural acquisition. To be able to negotiate a globalized cultural diversity, the individual needs to be securely and reliably embedded within the local sociocultural context conceptualized as secure life attachment. If the individual experiences an insecure life attachment, there may be risk of radicalized exclusionary reactions to cultural globalization. The present study investigated the interplay among life attachment, psychological reactions to cultural globalization, and various aspects of extremism in student samples from Denmark (n = 223) and India (n = 254). Participants completed self-report questionnaires about the central conceptions, which were analyzed through an indirect effects model. Results revealed that insecure life-attachment was directly associated with an extremist attitude and with acceptance of both violent and illegal means in relation to extremism. Furthermore, multicultural acquisition and ethnic protection appeared to mediate the relationship between insecure life attachment and these aspects of extremism. That is, insecure life attachment was related to an extremist attitude and acceptance of illegal means in relation to extremism through ethnic protection. Additionally, insecure life attachment was associated with acceptance of illegal means in relation to extremism through both ethnic protection and multicultural acquisition. The results illustrate the key role of contextual safety and reliability as platforms for approaching cultural globalization and avoiding radicalized essentialist pitfalls.

Violent radicalization has emerged as an important topic of theoretical and empirical investigation motivated by the devastating face of terrorism and by the aim of preventing such expressions of extremism. One central aspect of such research inquiries is the foundation of solid measurement. In this article, we develop and validate two generic scales pertaining to (1) endorsement of extremism and (2) acceptance of violent and/or illegal means. In conclusion, the scales yielded sound psychometric properties and cross-cultural equivalence, providing a solid measure of the important aspects of extremism which can be empirically employed in elucidating generic mechanisms of violent radicalization processes.

The theory of Life Psychology is a general psychological model developed to explicate the interplay among a secure life attachment, life skills, and a reasonable grip on life in regard to psychological well-being and involvement in one’s personal and common life. This theory explains violent radicalization in relation to an insecure or disturbed life attachment dealt with by deficient and/or disturbed life skills. Our project includes two phases. (1) Operationalization of the radicalization model`s assessment scales to identify the fundamental risk factors regarding insecure life attachment, deficient/disturbed life skills, and violent extremism. These scales have been validated in a large-N survey and have proven to be psychometrically sound. (2) Examination of the assumption that insecure life attachment is a root factor leading to violent extremism, which is further moderated by deficient/disturbed life skills. This assumption was examined in a large-N study among high school students in Denmark and USA. The results support the life psychological theory and recommend early preventive interventions addressing deficient and disturbed life attachment and life skills.

The proliferation of cultural transition and intercultural contact has highlighted the importance of psychological theories of acculturation. Acculturation, understood as contact between diverse cultural streams, has become prevalent worldwide due to technological, economical, and educational advancements, together with greater mobility. Acculturation psychology aims to comprehend the dynamic psychological processes and outcomes emanating from intercultural contact.Acculturation psychology has been a growing field of research within cross-cultural psychology. Today, psychological theories of acculturation also include cognate disciplines such as cultural psychology, social psychology, sociology, and anthropology.The expansion of psychological theories of acculturation has led to advancements in the field of research as well as the bifurcation of epistemological and methodological approaches striving to apprehend both the processes and outcomes of acculturation phenomena.

Alcohol consumption among young people has been a great concern in the West. New research concerning the process of globalisation and acculturation points to a disturbing increase in alcohol consumption in the youth of developing countries, such as India. Research has also shown that discourses and attitudes concerning this problem are of grave importance in regard to the management of this increase. The present study examines the ambiguity found in earlier discourses on alcohol in Ladakh, and then compares it to the empirical findings in a recent survey of alcohol discourses and perceptions among Ladakhi youth. Findings indicate that a vast majority considered there to be an increase in alcohol consumption among the Ladakhi youth, and a majority found this consumption to be problematic. As many Ladakhis reported alcohol usage to be higher for Ladakhis outside of Ladakh, as Ladakhis who reported it to be the same as in Ladakh. A narrow majority blamed the individual for alcohol problems, while most of the young Ladakhis requested a preventive intervention from the Ladakhi society. The perceptions were categorised and thus revealed a continued ambiguity in the attitudes towards alcohol consumption in the context of acculturation among Ladakhi youth.

Acculturation can be understood as the continuous meeting of different cultural elements. This phenomenon has increased globally due to advancements in technology, economy and globalization. The development of a psychological study of acculturation has been a complex process with great challenges. This new discipline within cross-cultural psychology has expanded with a great number of articles in psychological journals and subsequently increased in significance within cross-cultural psychology. The acculturation psychological theory of multilinear bidimensionality with its quantitative methodology has been the predominant framework. However, critiques have challenged this paradigm and suggested the emergence of a new paradigm founded on a cultural psychological approach. In this review, the different conceptions and methodologies within acculturation psychology are assessed and suggestions for future research using mixed-methods are presented.

The globalization-based acculturation process in the Indian Himalayan region of Ladakh represents a highly complex network of intercultural interactions. Ladakhi youth negotiate their cultural orientation and identity in relation both (a) to indirect intercultural exposure through media and (b) to intermittent cultural contact through tourism in Ladakh. Additionally, many Ladakhi students take sojourns in large Indian cities. Like other Eastern populations exposed to cultural globalization, young Ladakhis are influenced by several local and global cultural streams. Within this acculturative process, Ladakhi youth are caught between ambiguous societal pressures toward both tradition and change. Through in-depth interviews, in the present study we investigated the negotiations of eight Ladakhi students’ cultural identity in Leh (Ladakh) and Delhi. In doing so, we draw pragmatically on theories of multiculturalism and dialogical self. Participants reported negotiating their cultural identity through dialogue among various personal, cultural, religious, and social voices, where these voices require selectively incorporating various cultural elements within the parameters established by societal constraints. Results indicate the vast complexity and dynamics within the Ladakhi acculturation process, with multiple interacting cultural streams, religions, and significant sociohistorical factors calling for an in-depth qualitative approach to elucidating the processes underlying globalization-based acculturation. The globalization-based acculturation process in the Indian Himalayan region of Ladakh represents a highly complex network of intercultural interactions. Ladakhi youth negotiate their cultural orientation and identity in relation both (a) to indirect intercultural exposure through media and (b) to intermittent cultural contact through tourism in Ladakh. Additionally, many Ladakhi students take sojourns in large Indian cities. Like other Eastern populations exposed to cultural globalization, young Ladakhis are influenced by several local and global cultural streams. Within this acculturative process, Ladakhi youth are caught between ambiguous societal pressures toward both tradition and change. Through in-depth interviews, in the present study we investigated the negotiations of eight Ladakhi students’ cultural identity in Leh (Ladakh) and Delhi. In doing so, we drew pragmatically on theories of multiculturalism and dialogical self. Participants reported negotiating their cultural identity through dialogue between various personal, cultural, religious, and social voices, where these voices require selectively incorporating various cultural elements within the parameters established by societal constraints. Results indicate the vast complexity and dynamics within the Ladakhi acculturation process, with multiple interacting cultural streams, religions, and significant sociohistorical factors calling for an in-depth qualitative approach to elucidate the processes underlying globalization-based acculturation.

It seems likely that an increasing number of young people in the isolated region of Ladakh are experiencing mental problems in relation to the process of acculturation. Ladakh, a Himalayan region situated in the northeast of India, has undergone rapid development. It has been influenced by the opening of the area for tourists in 1974 and from the massive presence of the Indian military. This work explores the discourses among intellectuals, practitioners and young people about psychopathology among the Ladakhi youth in relation to socio-cultural changes. Based on the discourse analysis and a review of relevant theoretical perspectives, it is argued that development is causing a greater diversity in the youth, and that the combination of greater pressure and less cultural support may be causing an increase in psychopathology.

The Indian region of Ladakh has recently undergone comprehensive sociocultural changes through the process of acculturation. The present study employs an acculturation psychological framework to assess how two groups of Ladakhi college students navigate through different degrees of exposure to acculturation and how this affects their mental health. Using mixed methods, 292 (age: M = 20.89, SD = 1.66; 64.4% females) respondents were included in the quantitative assessment and 12 participated in semistructured interviews. Analysis revealed that students with less acculturation exposure were more oriented toward ethnic culture and to a greater extent experienced impaired mental health when compared with the sample with more acculturation. Most prevalent among the students (34.2%) was a bicultural orientation, integrating both ethnic and mainstream culture. In general, acculturation orientation was not associated with quantitative measures of depression or anxiety. The qualitative analysis revealed agency and cultural identity to be pivotal factors in the process of reproducing culture and negotiating cultural change. The Indian region of Ladakh has recently undergone comprehensive sociocultural changes through the process of acculturation. The present study employs an acculturation psychological framework to assess how two groups of Ladakhi college students navigate through different degrees of exposure to acculturation and how this affects their mental health. Using mixed methods, 292 (age: M = 20.89, SD = 1.66; 64.4% females) respondents were included in the quantitative assessment and 12 participated in semistructured interviews. Analysis revealed that students with less acculturation exposure were more oriented toward ethnic culture and to a greater extent experienced impaired mental health when compared with the sample with more acculturation. Most prevalent among the students (34.2%) was a bicultural orientation, integrating both ethnic and mainstream culture. In general, acculturation orientation was not associated with quantitative measures of depression or anxiety. The qualitative analysis revealed agency and cultural identity to be pivotal factors in the process of reproducing culture and negotiating cultural change.

There has been a great interest in the psychological effects of globalization in Ladakh. Especially the youth are exposed to various cultural influences through greater connectivity with the rest of India and Western countries. Also, education is changing for Ladakhis with vast opportunities for studying at colleges and universities outside of Ladakh. The new possibilities create a large group of young Ladakhis pursuing higher education exposed to a high degree of competition, pressure from expectations, and academic demands. This paper explores how well background information can predict mental health in two samples of Ladakhi college students studying in either Leh or Delhi. Statistical analysis reveals both gender and parental level of education to be significant predictors of both anxiety and depression measure. There has been growing interest in the psychological effects of globalisation in Ladakh, especially with youth being exposed to various cultural influences through increased connectivity with the rest of India and areas beyond. Also, education is an important driver of change in Ladakh, with opportunities to study at colleges and universities outside Ladakh. As a result, a large number of young Ladakhis pursue higher education outside Ladakh, while dealing with intense competition, heightened expectations and academic demands. This paper explores the links between one’s background and mental health, amongst Ladakhi college students studying in Leh and Delhi. Statistical analysis reveals that gender and parental level of education are significant predictors of anxiety and depression levels.

Cultural globalization has increased the connectivity and interaction between people from dissimilar cultural streams, proliferating complex and diverse acculturation processes among immigrants as well as non-immigrants. Such globalized connectivity is facilitated by advancements and increases within technology, trade, and tourism. This phenomenon has increasingly gained attention in acculturation psychology through theoretical developments such as remote and globalization-based acculturation. These theories expand the focus on continuous first-hand intercultural contact to include examinations of the embracive effects of intermittent and mediated intercultural contact. These globalized processes can lead to general reactions of exclusionary or integrative character, of either accepting or rejecting new cultural influences. Examining the processes within cultural specificity discloses miscellaneous and highly complex actualizations of bicultural, tricultural, and even multicultural integration within the individual. These must be negotiated both in relation to others and to societal constrains. These processes are especially relevant for adolescents and emerging adults who are frequently interacting with and adopting various global cultural elements originating from dissimilar locations worldwide. This chapter describes these new theoretical developments pertaining to globalization and acculturation along with their implications for adolescents and emerging adults. The acculturative processes of cultural globalization have been influential for this age group in regard to shaping their identity processes, their intergenerational relations, and their psychological well-being. Globalization-initiated acculturation is conceptualized as encompassing more of a cultural amalgamation process as compared to traditional immigration-based acculturation. Consequently, these processes of cultural globalization necessitate an agentic negotiation of cultural affiliation and selective hybridization relating to an intrapersonal, an interpersonal, and a societal level of acculturation. With globalization destabilizing the traditional cultural frames, local acculturative challenges and opportunities are created in relation to the individual’s development of a sense of self and belonging.