Parental enculturation and youth mental health functioning among Filipino American families

Cultur Divers Ethnic Minor Psychol. 2023 Apr;29(2):279-288. doi: 10.1037/cdp0000552. Epub 2022 Jun 20.

Abstract

Filipino Americans accounted for 2.9 million (16%) of the total U.S. Asian American population. As one of the fastest growing Asian immigrant groups, it is important to examine factors that could be targeted in interventions to better aid this community.

Objectives: This study provided a unique perspective into the lives of Filipino American youth by utilizing a specific measure developed to assess different areas of enculturation among their Filipino American caregivers. The primary objectives of this study were to examine the associations among parental enculturation with parenting practices and youth internalizing and externalizing behaviors using regression analyses.

Method: This study focused on 131 Filipino American families who participated in the Filipino Family Health Initiative.

Results: Our hypotheses were partially supported. Interpersonal norms was positively associated with harsh/inconsistent discipline, while conservatism was positively associated with appropriate discipline and praise/incentives. Connection with homeland was negatively associated with youth behavioral symptoms, while interpersonal norms was positively associated with youth behavioral symptoms. Inconsistent with hypotheses, connection with homeland was negatively associated with appropriate discipline.

Conclusions: This highlighted the need for better understanding of the cultural experiences and values of Filipino American parents when working with Filipino American children in clinical and research settings. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

MeSH terms

  • Acculturation*
  • Adolescent
  • Asian People
  • Asian*
  • Child
  • Family Relations
  • Humans
  • Mental Health*
  • Parenting* / psychology
  • Parents / psychology
  • United States

Supplementary concepts

  • Filipino people