Development and preliminary validation of the Frankfurt Acculturation Scale for Children (FRACC-C)

This paper describes the development and psychometric properties of the Frankfurt Acculturation Scale for Children (FRACC-C). Two studies were conducted for scale refinement, assessment of factorial structure and psychometric evaluation using data from a total of 387 elementary school-aged children from two metropolitan areas in Germany. Exploratory factor analyses confirmed the 2-factor solution of the initial 14-item scale: Orientation to Culture of Origin and Orientation to Host Culture. Results of confirmatory factor analysis using a new set of data supported the postulated two-factor solution, measured with 6 items each. Both subscales yielded scores with adequate internal reliability. Preliminary evidence of criterion-oriented and concurrent validity of the two subscales is provided. Results also support the combination of the two subscales to form acculturation strategies (i.e. assimilation, integration, separation and marginalization). Implications for future research of acculturation in children are discussed.

► We describe the development of a German-language acculturation scale for children.
► The Frankfurt Acculturation Scale for Children measures cultural orientation.
► The 12-item scale also allows for the assessment of acculturation strategy.
► Results support a two-factor structure with good internal consistency.
► Validity is confirmed using generation, cultural distance, parental acculturation.