Moderating Effect of Social Support on the Link between Acculturation Experiences and Acculturative Stress

Several studies have demonstrated direct effect of social support on acculturative stress, but moderating effect of social support on the link between acculturation experiences and acculturative stress has not yet been ascertained. The objective of the present empirical piece o f research work is to examine the moderating effect of social support on the link between acculturation experiences and acculturative stress among north Indian engineering students. 200 North Indian engineering students (Age- 18 to 24 Years) were included from Warangal districts. Correlational research design was employed. Acculturative stress was measured by 16 item acculturative stress scale (Khan & Hasan, 2017). Further, Social support was measured by 14 item social support scale (Khan & Hasan, 2017). In addition, acculturation experience was measured by duration of stay in the host culture. Moderation effect was worked out through hierarchical multiple regression analysis. Social support was significant moderator on the link between acculturation experiences and acculturative stress. It is concluded that there is sufficient empirical and statistical evidence of the moderating effect of social support on the link between acculturation experiences and acculturative stress among north Indian engineering students. The theoretical and practical issues have been discussed.