Intergenerational Cultural Conflict, Assertiveness, and Adjustment among Asian Americans

According to acculturation gap-distress theory, intergenerational cultural conflict stems from parent-offspring acculturation mismatch. Acculturation-based family conflict has been linked to poorer psychological adjustment among Asian American offspring, especially emerging adults. Whereas trait assertiveness often is shown to buffer the relation between interpersonal conflict and psychological distress among Euro Americans, it remains unknown how assertiveness contributes to Asian Americans’ psychological adjustment both directly and jointly with intergenerational cultural conflict. Considering Asian cultural values of filial piety and obedience, high levels of assertiveness—a set of intrapersonal characteristics that prioritizes individualistic needs over family harmony and group needs—may intensify the relations between intergenerational cultural conflict and adjustment outcomes. Asian American college students (N = 141, 58.2% women, Mage = 20.86) completed surveys assessing their levels of intergenerational cultural conflict, assertiveness, and three psychological adjustment outcomes (depressive symptoms, negative affect, and subjective well-being). Intergenerational cultural conflict was positively associated with depressive symptoms. Assertiveness was correlated with negative affect and depressive symptoms negatively, and with subjective well-being positively. Contrary to hypothesis, assertiveness did not moderate the relation between intergenerational cultural conflict and psychological adjustment. Whereas trait assertiveness can be promotive of psychological adjustment outcomes among Asian Americans, it may not affect the degree to which intergenerational cultural conflict is linked to offspring adjustment outcomes.