A qualitative study of parent-child emotional closeness and acculturative experiences of 1.5- and second-generation Asian Americans

Bicultural individuals are confronted with the potentially challenging task of negotiating between the value systems of two different cultures. More specifically, the acculturative experiences of 1.5– and second–generation Asian American young adults can be fraught with intrapersonal conflict as these individuals strive to make sense of their bicultural identity. Furthermore, the emotional quality of the relationship with their parents may play a formative role in the extent to which they internalize both ethnic cultural values and dominant American values. The present study utilized qualitative methodology to explore the process through which Asian American young adults develop their bicultural selves. Interviews based on the life–story method (McAdams, 1993) were conducted with 15 1.5– and second–generation Asian American participants. Narrative analysis was used to analyze the interview transcripts for common and divergent themes across cases. The degree to which the parent–child relationship shaped internalization of values varied considerably across participants. Implications for research and clinical practice with Asian Americans are discussed along with limitations and directions for future research.