Ethnic identity in Chinese-Americans: A relational approach and perspectives on acculturation

The goal of this research was to investigate the social and cultural development of Chinese Americans by examining (1) the utility of conceptualizing ethnic identity as a unidimensional versus multidimensional construct and (2) to frame ethnic identity as a construct that varies as a function of relational context. Ethnic socialization, in the form of approval-related messages, perceived from parents, Asian peers, and Caucasian peers, was expected to influence global ethnic identity as well as drive relational differentiations. An additional goal was to examine outcomes associated with acculturation status, or the interplay between one's ethnic and mainstream cultures, including integrated/fragmented styles of perceiving multiple selves.; Data from Chinese American college students and adults were collected via the Internet. Data analytic techniques included factor analyses, correlations, regressions, and path modeling procedures. Effects related to acculturation were examined using MANOVAs and ANOVAs.; Results revealed that global ethnic identity was best conceptualized as a two-dimensional construct consisting of (1) affective/cognitive and (2) ethnic values components. Ethnic socialization predicted global ethnic identity, but only within same-ethnic contexts. Ethnic socialization also drove relational differentiations in ethnic identity. For each relational context (parents, Asian peers, Caucasian peers), relational models of ethnic identity were developed, including ethnic socialization as a precursor, and relational adjustment and relationship quality as outcomes. Although all three models fit very well, differences in the strength and significance of direct and mediational paths were found across relationships, supporting the utility of a relational approach.; Surprisingly, virtually no effects of acculturation status on outcomes were found. However, differences across integrated/fragmented groups were observed such that integrated individuals consistently exhibited more favorable outcomes. These findings argued for the utility of going beyond acculturation status and further examining Chinese Americans' experience of living in multiple cultures and dealing with their multiple selves.; Implications for intervention (e.g., incorporating a relational framework in promoting ethnic identity, fostering integration of multiple selves) were discussed, as were suggestions for future research. Conclusions emphasized the need for further examination of these issues in order to promote the optimal development and well being of ethnic minorities and all members of our intercultural society.