Correlates of Ethnicity-related Dating Preferences among Asian American Adolescents across the High School Years.

Abstract

Ethnicity-related dating preferences among Asian American adolescents and the links between preferences (i.e., for a same-ethnic dating partner) and ethnic identity centrality and regard, American identity centrality and regard, parent-adolescent closeness, and perceptions of discrimination were investigated. Data from 175 self-identified Asian American high school students were collected yearly for four consecutive years. Higher levels of ethnic identity centrality and regard and parent-adolescent closeness averaged across four years were associated with preferring a same-ethnic partner. Moreover, foreign-born adolescents were less likely to prefer a same-ethnic partner when they encountered a higher than average level of discrimination on any given year. Results highlight variability in the developmental and individual-level factors that shape how adolescents navigate their dating relationships.