Journal of Latinx Psychology, Vol 14(2), May 2026, 124-141; doi:10.1037/lat0000289
Parental academic socialization plays an important role in the education of Latinx adolescents. Such socialization often emphasizes the need for making an effort in school, which may inform youths’ perceptions of the utility of education for their future. This study addresses two questions: (a) Are there developmental changes in Latinx adolescents’ perceptions of academic utility over time? and (b) How does immigrant parents’ academic socialization predict these trajectories? Data were collected longitudinally from a community-based sample of Latinx families (145 parents; 132 foreign-born; 79.3% female; 35.2% undocumented; 145 adolescents; 22 foreign-born; 53.1% female; mean age of 13.54 years). Results showed that parental academic socialization messages have different impacts on youth’s perceptions of educational utility. Messages that encourage academic success while maintaining a positive sense of self were associated with greater perceptions of limitations of education at the start of the study. However, it was also linked to less steep increases in perceptions of limitations of education over the 3-year study period. This study sheds light on the importance of parental academic socialization in shaping Latinx youth’s perceptions of educational usefulness over time. Findings have implications for researchers examining parental socialization and adolescent development, educators supporting the growing Latinx youth population, and parents seeking to enhance their children’s academic success. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)