Measurement of acculturation in African immigrants: a scoping review of the Stephenson Multigroup Acculturation Scale (SMAS)

African immigrants are the least-studied, but the fastest-growing Black immigrant population. Adjusting to a new culture and maintaining one’s culture can lead to acculturative stress, negatively impacting well-being and mental health. Measuring levels of acculturation can assist in assessment and awareness to inform culturally responsive interventions. This scoping review included studies utilizing the Stephenson Multigroup Acculturation Scale (SMAS) among African immigrant populations. Many studies revealed that Black populations were not disaggregated despite their diversity. Further examination and test validation are recommended to assess its reliability and validity in today’s context and its use across ethnic backgrounds, including African immigrants.