Abstract
Research on the academic adjustment of immigrant adolescents has been predominately conducted in large cities among established
migration areas. To broaden the field’s restricted focus, data from 172 (58% female) Asian American adolescents who reside
within a non-traditional or emerging immigrant community in the Southeastern US were used to examine gender differences in
academic adjustment as well as school, family, and cultural variables as potential mediators of gender differences found.
Results suggest that girls report significantly higher educational goals, intrinsic academic motivation, and utility value
of school compared to boys. These gender differences are statistically mediated by ethnic exploration and family processes,
most prominently, family respect. School connectedness and perceived discrimination are also associated with academic adjustment
at the bivariate level, suggesting that academic success may be best promoted if multiple domains of influence can be targeted.
migration areas. To broaden the field’s restricted focus, data from 172 (58% female) Asian American adolescents who reside
within a non-traditional or emerging immigrant community in the Southeastern US were used to examine gender differences in
academic adjustment as well as school, family, and cultural variables as potential mediators of gender differences found.
Results suggest that girls report significantly higher educational goals, intrinsic academic motivation, and utility value
of school compared to boys. These gender differences are statistically mediated by ethnic exploration and family processes,
most prominently, family respect. School connectedness and perceived discrimination are also associated with academic adjustment
at the bivariate level, suggesting that academic success may be best promoted if multiple domains of influence can be targeted.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-12
- DOI 10.1007/s10964-011-9697-8
- Authors
- Lisa Kiang, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Andrew J. Supple, UNC-Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
- Gabriela L. Stein, UNC-Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
- Laura M. Gonzalez, UNC-Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
- Journal Journal of Youth and Adolescence
- Online ISSN 1573-6601
- Print ISSN 0047-2891