Ecological Risk and Protective Model of East Asian Immigrant Fathers' Psychological Well-Being in the U.S.

Abstract

In response to the dearth of research focusing solely on immigrant fathers, we propose the Integrative Conceptual Model to investigate the psychological well-being of recent immigrant fathers from East Asia to the United States. This model addresses how multiple factors in the society (e.g., policy), work and community (e.g., employment), family (e.g., father-child and couple relationships), and individual (e.g., education) levels in the host and home countries are linked to East Asian immigrant fathers’ adaptation to their new environment. More specifically, we focus on the unique risk factors and protective factors to their adjustment, which are vital to the psychological well-being of recent immigrant fathers from East Asia. The Integrative Conceptual Model contributes to the limited fatherhood literature to help understand the multifaceted nature of immigrant fatherhood. Implications include creating culturally sensitive education and intervention programs for East Asian immigrant fathers.