Pathways among Asian Americans’ family ethnic socialization, ethnic identity, and psychological well-being: A multigroup mediation model.

Abstract

The present study examined the mediating role of ethnic identity in the relation between family ethnic socialization and psychological well-being among Asian American college students. In addition, it explored the moderating role of gender in the pathways among 3 variables. Participants were 970 Asian American college students who were part of the Multi-Site University Study of Identity and Culture (MUSIC). Results from a multigroup structural equation model indicated that family ethnic socialization was positively and significantly related to ethnic identity and psychological well-being, whereas ethnic identity was also positively and significantly related to psychological well-being. Furthermore, family ethnic socialization was related to psychological well-being through different pathways for Asian American women versus men. Ethnic identity significantly mediated the association between family ethnic socialization and psychological well-being for women, but not for men. In contrast, family ethnic socialization was more strongly related to psychological well-being for men than for women. The practical implications for mental health professionals working with Asian American families are also discussed, particularly with regard to the role of family ethnic socialization in Asian American families.