(PS10-16) A Qualitative Exploration of the Acculturation Gap in Chinese Immigrant Families: Implications for Improving CBT Engagement and Advancement

An acculturation gap occurs when members of immigrant families adjust to the new cultural environment at different rates, leading to discrepancies in values between parents and children (Ahn et al., 2009). Chinese immigrant families caught between the traditional collectivist values of their Asian heritage and the individualistic values of American society experience conflicts that affect the mental health and adjustment of youth (Lui, 2005). While recent research underscores the importance of investigating individuals' nuanced experiences of the acculturation gap, most studies adopt quantitative methodologies, with very few explored from the perspectives of immigrant parents. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to examine both the challenges and benefits experienced by Chinese immigrant families as they navigate the acculturation gap.

Participants were recruited from local Chinese American communities in New York and Chicago and included 9 mothers and 3 fathers (Mean age = 46.91, SD=6.72). All 12 parents were foreign-born, first-generation immigrants who relocated to the United States during adulthood. Their children were adolescents and adults (M age = 16, SD=5.71) who either immigrated before adulthood or were born in the United States. Semi-structured interviews, each lasting between 45-60 minutes, were conducted for each parent to assess their immigration experiences, acculturation, family interactions, mental health, and coping strategies for navigating through the acculturation gap. Three coders performed qualitative coding using Auerbach and Silverstein’s (2003) grounded theory methodology. The interviews were coded for relevant text, repeating ideas, themes, and theoretical constructs. Inter-rater reliability was calculated via two independent coders, and a member check was conducted to validate the results.

Four theoretical constructs were identified: 1) Parents’ connections to both cultures and the amount of social support received impact their approach to navigating the acculturation gap, 2). Parents try to cultivate a positive and open family environment, 3) Parents use both direct and indirect communication strategies to foster mutual understanding of values with children, and 4) Parents use both positive and negative cognitive coping strategies. Based on these findings, we generated a theoretical framework for understanding how Chinese immigrant parents experience the acculturation gap as well as the coping strategies they employ to navigate this gap. The findings highlight essential elements in culturally sensitive cognitive-behavioral therapy for Chinese immigrant families: promoting cognitive flexibility, improving communication skills, value exploration, and facilitating discussions on cultural identity for both parents and children.  As many parents reported that navigating the acculturation gap led to strengthened family bonds, the results may serve as a guide to help cognitive-behavioral therapists incorporate culturally sensitive strategies to better serve Chinese immigrant families while expanding upon parents’ existing efforts. Recommendations for graduate and medical programs, professionals, and services for parents are also provided.