Acculturation Attitudes, Psychological and Social Well-being of Ao and Lotha Tribes in Nagaland

Abstract

Acculturation is a process concerning two or more cultural contact groups with consequences for both dominant and non-dominant groups. However, the contact experiences have much greater impact on the non-dominant group such as tribe and its members. Thus, the present study examined the acculturation attitudes, psychological and social well-being of Ao and Lotha Tribes. A sample of 100 participants, within the age group of 20-30 years, was recruited from two major tribes; Ao (n=50) and Lotha (n=50) of Nagaland in North-Eastern India using convenient sampling. Results revealed no significant difference between Ao and Lotha Tribes with respect to acculturation attitudes, psychological and social well-being. In both Ao and Lotha Tribe, the most favored acculturation attitudes were co-existence and integration while assimilation and marginalization were least preferred attitudes among them It was also noted that Ao and Lotha tribes preferred separation acculturation attitudes along with integration and co-existence. The members of both Ao and Lotha tribes have reported greater psychological and social well-being.