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Group Processes & Intergroup Relations, Vol. 9, No. 2, 249-264 (2006)
DOI: 10.1177/1368430206062080
© 2006 SAGE Publications

Predictors of Cultural Adjustment: Intergroup Status Relations and Boundary Permeability

Deborah J. Terry

Rebecca N. Pelly

University of Queensland

Richard N. Lalonde

York University

Joanne R. Smith

University of Queensland

We examined intergroup predictors of cultural adjustment among Asian international students in Australia. Sociostructural beliefs (status, legitimacy, and permeability) and initial adjustment were assessed (N= 113) at Time 1, and measures of adjustment were obtained (N= 80) at Time 2 eight weeks later. International students who perceived their cultural group to be relatively low in status experienced lower levels of psychological adjustment. Also, as expected, the effects of status were moderated by perceptions of both the permeability of intergroup boundaries and the legitimacy of the status differential. At high levels of legitimacy, perceptions of permeable group boundaries were associated with better psychological, sociocultural, and academic adjustment among international students perceiving their group to be low in status, but lower levels of adjustment among students who perceived their group to be high in status. At low levels of legitimacy, irrespective of group status position, perceived permeability was not related to adjustment.

Key Words: cross-cultural adjustment • international students • social identity theory

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