1. Background Spirituality and Acculturation Further, Hardy (1979) found a variety of
effects resulting from spiritual experiences, with
increased positive feelings towards others and
The purpose of this study involved examining
the concepts of acculturation and spirituality in in Eastern and Western Cultures other positive social effects involving only one of
numerous possible outcomes.
the context of collectivistic (Asian) and
individualistic (Western) cultures, specifically, Sue-Mei Slogar Although the SIBS includes items intended to
assess relationships with others, participants
whether spirituality relates to cultural adaptation
in the context of diametrically opposed cultures.
Advised by Dr. Eric Jones were not asked to clarify the nature of their
spiritual transformation or describe its social
Maslow (1970) found that in addition to providing Regent University significance. Also, while many participants who
meaning in life, spiritual experiences correlated
had spiritually experiences did undergo some
with self-transcendence, a sense of connection
degree of transformation, this transformation did
with others, an increase in love and acceptance,
not always represent a significant change.
and a decrease in selfishness. Spiritual
Finally, the weak correlation between
experiences “often have a social content, a
feeling of unity with other people, and a Method Results empathy and spirituality and the lack of
correlation between empathy and acculturation
determination to behave more kindly and
Participants Scores on the SIBS and SL-ASIA were may be explained by conceptualizing empathy as
altruistically towards them” (Beit-Hallahmi &
positively correlated (r(79) = .42, p < .01). A weak a multifaceted construct involving perception,
Argyle, 1997, p. 97). According to Stace (1960),
The sample consisted of 114 individuals of correlation between participants’ SL-ASIA scores emotional response, and behavioral response
along with experiencing something separate from
Asian heritage ranging from 15-70 years of age and degree of transformation was found (r(104) = (Liyan, 2004). Scores on the PT scale
the self, spiritual experiences also involve a
(M = 40.83, SD = 14.29). Participants reported .25, p < .05). No correlation was found between demonstrated moderate and negative
unified perception of reality, or perceiving
their current country of residence as Malaysia SL-ASIA scores and PT scale scores (r(87) = .06, correlations with the other scales composing the
everything in existence as parts of a larger whole.
(41.2%), America (21.9%), Singapore (7.0%), p > 0.05), and total SIBS scores and PT scale IRI (the empathic concern and personal distress
Previous studies support the view that this
China (4.4%), Hong Kong (2.6%), and Australia scores were weakly correlated (r(87) = .23, p < scales, respectively; Davis, 1983). The
altered perception of reality affects psychosocial
(2.6%), Asia (18.4%), and no location reported .05). The degree of transformation participants measurable differences existing between various
variables involved with interpersonal
(1.8%) Most participants (88.6%) reported their experienced as a result of a spiritual experience facets of empathy illustrate its complexity and the
relationships. Dy-Liacco, Kennedy, Parker, and
place of birth as Asia or a country other than the and scores on the SL-ASIA were moderately resulting challenges in assessing empathy in
Piedmont (2006) found that spirituality causally
United States, while 7.7% classified themselves correlated (r(89) = .32, p < .01). In addition, the relation to other variables. As empathy and
predicted emotional growth and maturity, in
as either second or third generation immigrants. results indicated a moderate correlation between spirituality are complex constructs, it is likely that
addition to an interconnected and transpersonal
Approximately half of the sample reported spiritual experiences (as assessed by Hardy’s spirituality is also related to other aspects of
worldview. Another study demonstrated a
bilingual proficiency in English and an Asian question) and resulting transformation (r(104) = empathic development that are not adequately
significant correlation between peak experiences
language (55.3% for speaking and 40.4% for .67, p < .01) assessed by the PT scale. The implications of the
and increased social interest (Christopher,
reading), while 44.7% reported bilingual language current study suggest a need to clarify the
Manaster, Campbell, and Weinfeld 2002; Davis,
preference. practical significance of the constructs
1980). Steffen and Merrill (2011) found that
investigated. Future studies may result in
individuals demonstrating higher levels of
recommendations to increase opportunities for
acculturation also experienced higher levels of Measures
cultivating spiritual development as a means of
comfort or strength related to faith or spirituality,
increasing positive cross-cultural interaction.
in addition to participants’ self-assessments Data were collected from April 2011 through
reflecting higher levels of spirituality. November 2011 utilizing snowball sampling.
Using electronic survey software, participants
Discussion
completed the Suinn-Lew Asian Self-Identity
The results indicate a relationship between
Acculturation Scale ((Suinn, Ahuna, & Khoo,
spirituality and acculturation, and between
1992), the perspective-aking (PT) scale of the
transformative spiritual experiences and
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