Date of Award

5-2024

Document Type

Project

Degree Name

Master of Social Work

Department

School of Social Work

First Reader/Committee Chair

Li, Yawen

Abstract

Objective: This study investigated the relationship between parenting styles and communication difficulties. Previous studies explored different types of parenting styles and their impact on both mental health and child behavior outcomes. However, the relationship between these styles and communication challenges has largely remained underexplored. This study aimed to fill this void by examining data collected from Asian American (AA) young adults aged 18 to 30, shedding light on how various parenting approaches influence communication difficulties in their families. Method: Quantitative data for this study was gathered through Qualtrics from participants meeting the criteria of AA aged 18 to 30, who were raised by first-generation (FG) Asian parents. Findings: Lower AFD scores and verbal communication difficulties (VCD) scores were seen if both mothers and fathers scored high on emotional responsiveness behaviors. Lower VCD scores in mothers were negatively related to the length of time participants lived in the United States. Participants reported higher VCD scores if their father spoke English only. Participants with fathers who were bilingual in English and another language were more likely to report lower AFD scores. Implications: Our findings can influence and promote parental education that is tailored towards decreasing AFD scores, especially amongst populations where there may be a mismatch between cultural identities. Examining the interplay between family dynamics, communication, and parenting styles contributes to specific insights that will be important in helping social workers provide culturally sensitive care with personalized interventions, diagnostic tools, and programs that target communication issues, conflict resolution, healthier family relationships, and enhanced mental health outcomes.

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