The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of religious affiliation on acculturation among Mexican immigrants to Utah. In addition to demographic information, measures of acculturation, spirituality, social support, and perceived social status were administered to 336 participants. Latter-day Saints compared with Catholics and those of other religious affiliation tended to score significantly higher on Anglo cultural orientation, spirituality, and social support. Latter-day Saint acculturation may have been partly due to greater interaction with the US culture prior to coming to this country. Latter-day Saints also rated their subjective social status higher. Overall, religious affiliation was the strongest predictor of Anglo cultural orientation except for age upon entering the United States. In conclusion, religious affiliation predicts level of acculturation. Membership in an organisation that is dominant in the local community (e.g., the Latter-day Saint Church) contributes to the acculturation process, higher levels of spiritual well-being, and social support. © 2011 Taylor & Francis.

Immigrant religiosity Acculturation

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