Acculturation, ethnic identity, and family conflict among first- and second-generation Chinese Americans

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between generation status to acculturation, ethnic identity, and family conflict among Chinese American immigrant families. This issue was addressed empirically utilizing a non-random sample consisting of 150 second-generation Chinese American immigrants (who responded on behalf of themselves and their parents), defined as those in the American population who were born in America, whose father and/or mother immigrated to America from China, Taiwan, or Hong Kong, and whose origin or ancestry is from China, Taiwan, or Hong Kong.; Several self-report instruments were utilized to examine the variables under investigation. These measures were the Chinese Acculturation Inventory (adapted from Mendoza's, 1989, Cultural Life Style Inventory), the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure - Revised (adapted from Phinney's, 1990, Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure), and the Asian American Family Conflicts Scale - Revised (adapted from Lee's, 2000, Asian American Family Conflicts Scale).; Results indicated a significant relationship between generation level and acculturation and ethnic identity. The data found perceived acculturation disparity to be related to family conflict. Results were mixed for the relation of perceived ethnic identity disparity to family conflict. Specifically, perceived ethnic identity disparity was related to father-child conflict, but not to mother-child conflict.; In general, the study provided some empirical information for second generation Chinese immigrants. The findings suggested that the variables of acculturation, ethnic identity, and family conflict are important and relevant, and warrant further investigation in the understanding of the psychological and developmental well-being of Chinese immigrant families living in the United States.; Results from this study indicated the need for parents and children of Chinese immigrant families to have an increased understanding and appreciation of acculturation stressors. The findings of this study contributed to the limited existing body of knowledge and suggest that there is a need for increased culturally sensitive research. Implications included increased public advocacy for culturally appropriate service delivery, especially for parenting programs that incorporate cultural values. There was an overwhelming response to this study from the Chinese American community, which indicates a desire to be heard and understood. Suggestions for future research were also proposed.