The influence of paternal autonomy-support upon ethnic culture identification among second-generation immigrants

Abstract

Born and raised in the U.S., children of immigrants often face difficult choices between endorsing their family's country of origin (natal culture) and mainstream U.S. society (host culture). Although second generation immigrants desire to fit into the host society, their parents often demand that they adhere to norms and traditions of the natal culture. Previous studies have shown controlling or non-autonomous parenting to be associated with negative outcomes, so this study sought to demonstrate the role of maternal and paternal autonomy-support in promoting positive and intrinsic natal acculturation among second-generation immigrants. Two studies were conducted to test this hypothesis. In Study 1, college-aged second-generation immigrants were asked to report perceived maternal and paternal autonomy-support, as well as how much they endorse their natal and U.S. cultures. Results demonstrated that paternal, but not maternal, autonomy-support predicted greater immersion into the natal culture and positive well-being. Study 2 replicated the previously mentioned effects and extended them by considering additional WB, acculturation, and autonomy-support measures. Possible explanations for the significance of paternal over maternal autonomy-support in our data are discussed.