Asian American Journal of Psychology, Vol 17(1), Mar 2026, 1-12; doi:10.1037/aap0000396
This study examined diverse parental ethnic–racial socialization practices in Asian American families and how emerging adults perceive and interpret them. We interviewed and analyzed data from 30 first- and second-generation Asian American emerging adults representing diverse Asian ethnic backgrounds. The participants resided predominantly in regions with limited cultural support systems (i.e., Louisiana, Mississippi) and were interviewed through semistructured interviews conducted via Zoom between June and September 2023. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis with an intercoder agreement process. Participants reported that their parents’ active efforts to maintain their heritage culture positively influenced their ethnic identities, though many expressed a desire for deeper engagement with their heritage. In terms of racial socialization, while many participants noted limited opportunities to discuss racial issues with their parents, prompting participants to initiate these conversations proactively, some reported receiving passive or active guidance on discrimination. Participants who perceived a lack of parental discussion often attributed it to the sensitivity of the topic, their immigrant parents’ unfamiliarity with racial issues, or their parents’ desire to avoid causing worry. Last, some participants appreciated their parents’ efforts to promote diversity. In contrast, others observed messages about avoiding certain racial groups, leading the participants to educate their parents about inclusivity actively. This study highlighted the diverse ethnic–racial socialization practices among Asian American families, underscoring the need for more proactive and inclusive approaches to support this population. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)