Perceived discrimination and multiple indicators of positive development among second-generation Chinese-American youth: The moderating role of ethnic identity

Background: The present study examined the associations among ethnic identity, perceived discrimination and multiple indicators of positive youth development (PYD; i.e., intrapersonal-oriented competence, interpersonal-oriented competence, confidence, caring, character, family connection, peer connection, school and community connection, positive attitudes towards diversity and cultural pride) that were specifically identified among second-generation Chinese-American youth.

Methods: Participants were 196 second-generation Chinese-American youth (N _girl = 93; M _age = 14.56, SD _age = 1.75) primarily from the greater Boston area in MA, United States. Multivariate regression models were estimated to examine the associations between ethnic identity, perceived discrimination, and each potential indicator of PYD, as well as the moderating role of ethnic identity, controlling for key demographics.

Results: (1) Ethnic identity was positively related to all PYD indicators, βs = .32 to .72, ps < .01; (2) perceived discrimination was negatively associated with all indicators of PYD (βs = -.15 to -.32, ps < .05), except for interpersonal-oriented competence and caring; and (3) ethnic identity significantly moderated the relationship between perceived discrimination and family connection (β = .23, p < .01).

Conclusions: Findings indicate that whereas discrimination has potential negative effects on the positive development of second-generation Chinese-American youth, ethnic identity may be a key strength that should be considered in PYD promotion practices for these youth.