Intergenerational Conflict among Asian Immigrant Families - Term Paper Example

? Intergenerational Conflict among Asian Immigrant Families Your Intergenerational Conflict among Asian Immigrant Families Asian Americans constitute 3.6 percent of the total population in the United States and the number is expected to rose to 6 percent by the year 2020(U.S. Census Bureau).When it comes to immigration and acculturation, Asian Americans are considered as a “model minority” due to their easy adjustment from their native culture to host culture. Yet, they face problems in adjusting to American life style. These problems become evident when we consider intergenerational relationship between parents and their America-born children. The conflict appears when American-born children challenge the values and traditions Asian immigrant parents (Segal cited in Desai, 2006, p.1). American culture’s individualism and independency pose an open threat to Asian culture’s interdependency, strong family ties, and respect for age and authority. Immigrant parents struggle with the choosing between the values of their native culture and host culture. Second-generation Americans become exposed to both culture, therefore, they adopt values and influences from both cultures. It is estimated that American-born Asian Americans will outnumber foreign-born Asian Americans by the year 2020.Despite the growth in Asian American’s population, in particular Asian youth, examination of their problems is not well-represented in mental health literature (Gibbs and Huang cited in Desai, 2006, p.2).For prevention and effective mediation, it is critical to explore the occurrence of intergenerational conflict among Asian immigrant parents and their children for identification and treatment of problem behavior. Through five different research studies, this paper tries to explore whether intergenerational conflict leads to further behavioral and acculturation problems among immigrant youth and finds it positive. Some experts suggest that intergenerational conflict during adolescence is normative, however, among immigrant minority families, such issues often get complicated by cultural differences and behaviors between children and parents. Desai (2006) found it important to study intergenerational conflict among immigrant families because it indicates a positive association between family conflict and poor psychological health of young adults and adolescents. Investigating conflict among Asian American immigrants is crucial for understanding unique challenges they face, moreover, it influences their overall adjustment and acculturation. These studies are also important in order to develop effective therapeutic strategies that are culturally sensitive and appropriate. In addition to find out characteristics of the conflict, it is also important to identify the factors that increase the negative effects of conflicts. Conflict literature is mostly based on the Caucasian sample, in comparison; very little research examines role of cultural factors in intergenerational conflict. Therefore, an investigation of cultural factors and impact levels of conflicts and acculturation among Asian American is warranted. Overall goal of Desai’s research (2006) is to get better understanding of ethnic group differences in levels of intergenerational conflict, identify cultural predictors of conflict, in addition to how cultural factors influence the effects of conflicts. In this research study, Desai (2006) determined whether the levels of intergenerational conflicts are different in Asian Americans and Caucasian samples by examining patterned differences among these groups. Moreover, he examined the way different variables regulate the relationship between intergenerational conflict and internalizing outcomes. Desai(2006) proposed sixteen hypothesis covering the relationship of the level of conflict with ethnic group membership; generational level; gender differences; cultural variables; and moderating effects of cultural factors. A packet of several self-report questionnaires is answered by volunteers in 60-90 minutes session. Desai (2006) used SPSS to determine whether statistical assumptions were met. A MANCOVA and regression analysis was conducted in order to test ethnic group differences and hypothesis. Although Desai (2006) suggest that immigrant students, in particular, Asian American immigrant students face the greatest amount of intergenerational conflict, he failed to take account of non-university going or working Asian American youth. Another weak aspect of the study is that it only uses self-report method of collecting data. Moreover, Desai (2006) acknowledges that his study ignores different sub-groups in the Asian American community. Desai (2006) suggests that there are other cultural factors that contribute to greater level of intergenerational conflicts in addition to their ethnic group membership. Research findings can be applied for outreach and therapeutic work with immigrant students in order to identify conflict and ensure effective assessment and intervention. Intergenerational cultural dissonance (ICD) is a conflict among children and parents that stems from differences in cultural values. Occurrence of such conflict is quite common among immigrant families, therefore, it is sometimes considered to be normative (Lee et al., 2005; Sluzki 1979; Ying et al., 1999). Choi, He, and Harachi (2007) examine the mechanism by which ICD (Intergenerational cultural dissonance) contributes to problem behavior and whether ICD predicts parent-child conflict, and whether parent-child conflict has a direct impact on youth problem behavior, and if positive relationship between parents and children regulate the influences of such conflict among young Vietnamese (Lee et al.2005; Sluzki 1979; Ying et al., 1999 cited in Choi, He, and Harachi 2007).In a typical setting, immigrant parents are inclined to adopt their traditional values while children endorse dominant western values, therefore, it results in a clash. Choi, He, and Harachi (2007) hypnotize that parent-child conflict has both direct and indirect impact on problem behavior. Their research adds to the existing body of literature by examining direct and mediated relationship among parent-child conflict and bonding, in particular for sub groups-Vietnamese and Cambodian families. Choi, He, and Harachi (2007) conduct an empirical analysis of the relationship in ethnic group. They used longitudinal data from Cross Cultural Families (CCF) Project that investigates the developmental trajectories of a panel of Cambodian (n=164) and Vietnamese (n=163) youth, in addition to the occurrence of problem behaviors and the association between risk and protective factors and varying outcome behaviors. In order to examine relationship between ICD and parent-child conflict, its impact on youth behavior, and whether parent-child bonding mediate the effects of conflict on their problem behaviors, Choi, He, and Harachi (2007) conducted path analyses with weighted least squares mean and variance-adjusted x2-test statistic(WLSMV) with robust standard errors estimation. They concluded that conceptual model is not much different when it comes to Cambodian and Vietnamese families, it refers that the mechanism through which ICD creates problem behaviors are similar in both groups. Path analyses reveals that ICD predicts problem behaviors by accelerating parent-child conflict in an indirect way, in turn, it weakens the positive parent-child association. Moreover, perception of such intergenerational gap assists in managing such conflict and strengthens the positive bond. Although the study is helpful when it comes to understanding the management of parent-child conflict, the sample data is regional and generalized.CCF data is also based on self-reporting from parents and children. Further research should be done with larger and more specific sample data. It is a common perception that difference in acculturation between generations either creates or enhances the family conflict (Telzer cited in Vu and Rook, 2013, p.227). Such differences are common among immigrant parents, whose traditional values are different from their children’s western values from the host culture. Vu and Rook (2013) investigated the impact of acculturation on intergenerational conflict and support among Vietnamese American young people (n=123). They concluded that more acculturated young people in comparison with the less acculturated young people; in particular, adult women are more likely to report criticism and a clash with their parents. However, both groups agreed that intergenerational conflict didn’t erode the support they get from their parents. Moreover, the increased conflict with more acculturated people is limited to their parents. The objective of Vu and Rook (2013) study was to investigate the interrelationship among intergenerational conflict, acculturation, and intergenerational support in a sample of Vietnamese American young people. In addition, they examine the role of gender since girls are considered to be more inclined to adopt western values. Like other studies, in the synthesis, Vu and Rook (2013) used voluntary participants from university (n=105) and a community college (n=28) for self reporting in the form of a questionnaire. Their level of acculturation was measured by the Suinn-Lew Asian Self-Identity Acculturation Scale (SL-ASIA; Suinn, Figuera, Lew, & Vigil, 1987 cited in Vu and Rook, 2013,p.229).Parents level of acculturation was not directly measures, rather they adopt an assumption and asked question from their children about it. Support and conflict were examined by using the name-eliciting method (McCallister & Fischer as cited in Vu and Rook, 2013, p.229). The study rules out certain alternative explanations for the association between acculturation and intergenerational conflict. Such as, more acculturated youth is more likely to disclose their conflicts with parents, however if this was the case, youth must be open to reveal their interpersonal conflict with others, which is not true. The specificity of data also ruled out the assumption that greater reporting of intergenerational conflict from acculturated participants is due to their overall negative perceptions of their relationships. Although the research study provides a deep insight into the impact of acculturation on parent-child relationship in Vietnamese families of America, it failed to collect direct assessment of parents’ acculturation level. In addition, it only assessed children perceptions about intergenerational conflict and support. Therefore, it is highly recommended for future researches that they take account of both sides rather than relying on children alone, in particular, for intergenerational conflict. Research evidence suggests that Asian immigrant families from traditional setting are more likely to face family dysfunction rather than any other minority group. Moreover, there are more instances of intergenerational conflicts among them as compared to other groups, such as, European Americans. These family dysfunction and intergenerational conflicts lead to psychological and behavioral problems. Therefore, it is no surprise that Asian American students seeking counseling associate their distress to the nature of relationship with their parents. Such conflicts usually start with discrepancies in the life styles of both parents and children that widens every day after migration. In order to understand such conflict, Tsai-Chae and Nagata (2008) investigated the perceptions of intergenerational family conflict among 93 Asian American college students in comparison to the discrepancies in Asian values with parents, gender, ethnicity, and behavioral acculturation. The research reveals that with the increasing discrepancies in Asian values with either parent results in increased reports of parent-child conflict. Moreover, it is discrepancies in cultural values that appear to be associated with perceived family conflicts, not behavioral acculturation. By using independent hierarchical regression models, Chae and Nagata (2008) found a significant association between conflict rating and values discrepancies with mothers on the aspect of confronting to the family norms, and when it comes to fathers, the dimension is education or career issues. Whereas interaction influences within a combined model to test beta coefficients differences between parents was not significant. Furthermore, the discrepancies with ‘respecting elders’ are associated with intergenerational conflicts. Despite the critical need of its clinical and theoretical evaluation, values acculturation is hardly examined for its role in direct relation to family conflict among Asian Americans. Therefore, Chae and Nagata (2008) designed their research to advance our understanding of acculturation and family conflict by values acculturation gap and perceived family conflict with mother and father in a separate way. They took 101 Asian (Chinese and Korean) American college students as their participants who were taking part in the study as partial fulfillment of their course. Each one of them completed demographic questionnaire about themselves and information about their parents. For behavioral acculturation, the General Ethnicity Questionnaire (GEQ) was used. Moreover, family conflict was measured by using Asian American Family Conflicts Scale-Likelihood (FCS-likelihood).It includes 10 typical situation-specific questions regarding Asian American families and needs rating by using a five point scale. Participants completed their questionnaires in groups of 2 to 10 individuals each. Time of completion averaged on 40 to 60 minutes. Chae and Nagata (2008) concluded that values acculturation gap between participants’ self-rated Asian values and their rating of their parents’ values is strongly associated to their family conflict rating rather than the level of their behavioral acculturation. Moreover, generational status or behavioral measures of acculturation may not contribute significantly to intergenerational conflict. Furthermore, they explored the ways in which parent-child discrepancies on certain value dimension is associated with conflicts with either parent. By using separate models for mother and father, they found that conflict rating for mother was on the dimension of conformity to family norms, while conflict rating for father was on education or career issues. Just like other studies in this paper, Chae and Nagata (2008) ignored direct responses and perception of values from parents. In addition, their findings from college students cannot be applied to general population. Moreover, they measured Asian values without including a parallel examination of western values. Although the research is extensive, it is advised to evaluate both sets of information (parent and child) for further research. The measure of behavioral discrepancies between parents and children is not used but highly recommended for further studies. Moreover, they must consider longitudinal investigations in order to study behavioral and value acculturation as a dynamic process. Yeung and Chang (2002) conducted a clinical study in order to understand intergenerational conflict in a Chinese family. The patient Mr. K. is a 55 years old man from Taiwan and presented to Asian-specific community health center with his daughter and wife. He was seeking a family therapy following his arrest for assaulting his daughter after family argument. He appeared to be humble and non-violent man with no family history of psychiatric illness or aggression. Mrs. K. is a 43 years old woman and appears to be ambitious; however, she is criticized despite her efforts on personal and family level. This criticism and her unfulfilled ambitions left her unsatisfied since they moved to America. Four months earlier, their 23-years-old daughter moved from university to back home after graduating. Her mother’s continuously critical and controlling behavior started the conflict. On his daughter’s rudeness and disrespect, Mr. K. remained silent in the begining; however, on the day of incident, he slapped his daughter for her behavior. J.K called police. The arrest was made, however, Mr. K. was released after few days and his daughter was ashamed of what she did. The conflict among family continued. The incident was criminalized and then it was considered medical due to its nature, cultural differences, and family needs. The situation called for medical help where Mr. K. was diagnosed with adjustment disorder. Initially, Mr. K. didn’t accept the idea of getting advice from someone younger in age. His style of dealing remained authoritarian; however, therapist’s non-judgmental style soon urged him to cooperate. All three family members were diagnosed with stress at different levels that affected their coping abilities. Mr. K. was considered for jail sentence since he had committed a crime by assaulting his daughter, however, considering its Chinese cultural context, Mr. K’s zero criminal record, and his explanatory model, his case was referred to mental health center. J.K. had an otherwise far more friendly relationship with her father than her mother. The therapist assisted the family for understanding the laws and values of their host country. In addition, medical assistance helped them articulate their different perspectives, values, and expectations of one another. Mr. K. was empathized and understood in the light of his cultural norms rather than judged by the act of assault since he was embarrassed and explanatory about the whole issues. It was important to not only protect the victim but acknowledge individual rights that may not be shared across cultural groups. By improving communication, family was able to negotiate and reestablish a supportive structure within two years. Although Yeung and Chang (2002) did find out that psychological assistance and intervention can bring positivity and flexibility in parent-child relationship, they failed to explain J.K’s critical behavior with their parents even after therapy. Migrating from one country to another may not seem difficult, but it is not always easy when it comes to adjustment and acculturation in the host country. The situation becomes even more complex when we consider interrelationship of individuals within a family that has migrated. Social stressors, perceptions of what is accepted in native culture, norms, and host country’s demand for adjustment influences everyone in a different way. Such differences either create or enhance intergenerational conflicts that lead to further problems in acculturation. These conflicts usually start with discrepancies in the life styles of both parents and children that widen every day after migration. Research reveals that it weakens the association between parents and children that further increase stress and problem behavior. Slow acculturation, isolation, behavioral and psychological problems stem from these intergenerational conflicts. Therefore, clinical and theoretical research is very important for identification and intervention in order to accelerate acculturation and avoid behavioral issues. It is observed from the studies that the studies for different Asian sub groups may be scarce, but the case won’t be very different since parent child conflict stems from the differences in cultural values, irrespective of what the values are. Works Cited Choi,Y.,He,M.,Harachi,T.W.(2008). Intergenerational Cultural Dissonance, Parent–Child Conflict and Bonding, and Youth Problem Behaviors among Vietnamese and Cambodian Immigrant Families. Journal of Youth Adolescent, 37(1), 85-96.Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2475652/ Desai,J.(2006). Intergenerational conflict within Asian American families: the role of acculturation, ethnic identity, individualism, and collectivism. University of Chicago. Retrived from http://www.worldcat.org/title/intergenerational-conflict-within-asian-american-families-the-role-of-acculturation-ethnic-identity-individualism-and-collectivism/oclc/437348983 Tsai-Chae,A.H.& Nagata,D.K.(2008).Asian Values and Perceptions of Intergenerational Family Conflict among Asian American Students. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology, 14(3),205-214.retrived from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18624585 Vu,H.Q. & Rook,K.S. Acculturation and intergenerational relationships in Vietnamese American families: The role of gender. Asian American Journal of Psychology,4(3),227-234.Retrieved from http://psycnet.apa.org/journals/aap/4/3/227/ Yeung, A.S.&Change,D.F.(2006). Adjustment Disorder: Intergenerational conflict in a Chinese Immigrant Family. Focus, 4,106-114. Retrieved from http://focus.psychiatryonline.org/article.aspx?articleID=50491 Read More