In a new study published in the Asian American Journal of Psychology, we found that intergenerational conflict associated with parent and offspring discrepancies in their acculturation styles and cultural values/behavioral practices predicted Asian American emerging adults’ mental health outcomes. Assertiveness–personality trait reflecting individual differences in the ability to advocate for their needs and wants–did not buffer the links between intergenerational cultural conflict and mental health outcomes. Our study showed that consistent with some prior research on assertiveness with primarily Euro American samples, assertiveness was promotive of positive mental health outcomes. Inconsistent with prior research, however, assertiveness did not protect Asian Americans from the possibly negative consequences of acculturation-related family conflict. A preprint for the study can be accessed for free HERE.
