Although acculturation has been widely used as a health research variable among Hispanics, several inconsistencies exist in the definitions of this concept. The work of Walker and Avant is used as a guide to analyze and clarify the definitions of acculturation in the Hispanic population. Multidisciplinary research studies involving Hispanic populations and the concept of acculturation are reviewed. Defining attributes include interaction between two cultures, change, learning, adaptation, and sociocultural context. Antecedents, consequences, case studies, and empirical referents are discussed. Implications for future practice and research are also identified.
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