Dr. Su Yeong Kim Research Unveils the Long-Term Parenting Effects on Chinese American Adolescents' Wellbeing

In a recent study, researchers looked behind the veil at the psychological processes behind Chinese American adolescents' academic excellence. With help from 444 families experiencing the early adolescence phase, the middle adolescence phase, and the emerging adulthood phase, the study defies the usual expectation that excellence in academics results in well-being.

Instead, we discovered there are three profiles among these adolescents:

• Well-Adjusted: High achievement, low distress
• Paradox: High success, high distress
• Poorly-Adjusted: Low performance and moderate distress

While over half the students exhibited stability in the same degree of adjustment at each time-point, nearly 45% exhibited movement towards the positive or negative side over time.

Dr. Su Yeong Kim’s Findings Regarding Parenting’s Effects on Later Life Paths

Our work identifies the significance of early parenting practices, especially in Chinese American families, in shaping the development pathways in adolescents. We articulated parenting in culturally responsive profiles:

• Supportive: Warm, organized, low in control
• Tiger: High expectations, controlling, includes shaming
• Harsh: Punitive in temperatures
• Easygoing: Low involvement, permissive

Dr. Su Yeong Kim’s Key findings are:

• Adolescents whose parents were supportive were significantly more likely to remain or become well-adjusted.

• Children from tiger or strict parents leaned towards or had been in the paradox category in being bright but failing in emotional areas.

• Tiger parenting, despite being related to high grades, was linked with subsequent socioemotional distress.

Why This Research Matters

Our work dispels the “model minority” stereotype and reframes the debate about success in Asian American populations. Good grades don’t necessarily indicate psychological well-being, an observation especially relevant for teachers, parents, and policymakers. Charting the path on how parenting influences adaptation in the long run, our study reveals evidence-based guidelines for developing both academic and emotional success. The message is clear: the most effective long-range approach is supportive parenting.

Read the Full Study

Interested in the complete research? Access the original publication here:

“Stability and Change in Adjustment Profiles Among Chinese American Adolescents: The Role of Parenting” - National Centre for Biotechnology Information

Conclusion

These discoveries by us are a call to reconsider our notions regarding success and parenting. For Chinese American families, and by extension, for any parents who will encounter the demands of culture, they offer a roadmap toward the development of strong-minded, well-developed young adults.