About this paper symposium

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Panel information
Panel 9. Family Context & Processes

Paper #1
Walking Two Worlds Alone - Understanding Hmong Women’s Perinatal Experiences
Author information	Role
Shoua Xiong, UW-Madison, United States	Presenting author
Maichou Lor, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA	Non-presenting author
Effy Yu, University of Pennsylvania, USA	Non-presenting author
Abstract
Introduction: Hmong Americans, Southeast Asian refugees who resettled in the U.S. beginning of the 1970s due to the Vietnam War, face significant perinatal health disparities. Existing research on Hmong women's perinatal experiences is outdated and lacks an in-depth understanding from the perspective of the Hmong women. The purpose of this study is to explore Hmong women’s perinatal experiences in the United States. Study population: Twenty-five Hmong women with a mean age of 35.7 (SD ± 4.1) from Wisconsin, California, Minnesota, Michigan, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Kansas were included in this study. Most have at least a bachelor’s degree (n = 18) and one to seven children. Methods: A cross-sectional, qualitative approach was used. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants through social media and word of mouth. Interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide, audio-recorded, and transcribed verbatim for thematic analysis. Results: Overall, participants’ perinatal journey focused on “Walking Two Worlds Alone”—navigating the traditional Hmong world and the Western medical world. While navigating the traditional Hmong world, participants managed cultural expectations and experienced cultural silencing about certain perinatal topics. Simultaneously, participants navigated several adverse experiences such as a lack of shared decision-making and support from healthcare providers in the Western medical world. At the intersection of the traditional Hmong world and the Western medical world, they often find themselves navigating challenges arising from both worlds alone, without adequate guidance and support from either world. Our findings confirmed that Hmong women’s perinatal experiences are shaped by unique cultural expectations and need culturally sensitive, informative, and supportive perinatal care.

Paper #2
Asian American Parenting and Youth Mental Health Outcomes: A Literature Review
Author information	Role
Toni Yu, Columbia University School of Social Work, United States	Presenting author
Connie Yuen, Johns Hopkins University, USA	Non-presenting author
Effy Yu, University of Pennsylvania, USA	Non-presenting author
Abstract
Introduction: Contrary to the “model minority” stereotype of being exceptionally healthy and successful, Asian American (AA) youth are experiencing mental health disparities while being less likely to seek help. In 2020, suicide was the leading cause of death for AA youth aged 10-19. Parenting is essential for promoting youth mental health and AA parenting is unique in the context of acculturation and enculturation. However, the impact of parenting on youth mental health among AA families remains underexplored and unsynthesized. This review aims to synthesize existing literature from 2003 onward on parenting and mental health outcomes among AA youth. Methods: Four databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, PsycINFO, and Web of Science) were searched, yielding 44 articles published after 2003 for inclusion. Empirical studies meeting the following criteria were included: population focused on AA youth, study conducted in the U.S., included a mental health outcome, and included a parenting measure. The majority (n = 17) focused on Chinese Americans or Taiwanese Americans, followed by Korean Americans (n = 8), multiple Asian-American ethnic sub-groups (n = 6), both AA and other ethnicities (i.e., White, Hispanic American; n = 5), Vietnamese Americans (n = 2), Filipino American (n = 2), Hmong Americans (n = 1), and two studies did not specify AA ethnic sub-groups. Results: Findings emphasize the importance of parenting in shaping the mental health of AA youth. Intergenerational acculturation gap and family conflict are associated with increased mental health risks, while parental warmth/support and family cohesion serve as protective factors. These findings highlight the need for culturally tailored parenting interventions to improve AA youth mental health. Future research should evaluate or adapt existing evidenced-based parenting programs to ensure cultural appropriateness and effectiveness in improving the mental health of AA youth, ultimately reducing mental health disparities.

Paper #3
From disempowering to empowering: Evolving parenting approach in 1.5th and 2nd generation Asian Americans.
Author information	Role
Annika Yeahyun Limson, House of Ruth Maryland, United States	Presenting author
Connie Yuen, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, USA	Non-presenting author
Yiying Xiong, Johns Hopkins School of Education, USA	Non-presenting author
Effy Yu, University of Pennsylvania, USA	Non-presenting author
Abstract
Introduction: Research on Asian American families has often highlighted the prevalence of authoritarian parenting styles, emphasizing strict discipline, high academic expectations, and emotional suppression. However, emerging studies suggest that many Asian Americans are challenging these traditional approaches, seeking to foster greater autonomy, emotional support, and cultural connection in their children. The present study seeks to explore these evolving parenting practices among 1.5 and 2nd-generation Asian American parents. Study population: Adults self-identified as 1.5th and 2nd-generation Asian Americans were eligible to participate in this study. Fourteen participants completed semi-structured qualitative interviews (1-3 interviews per participant). Among them, three were 1.5th generation (immigrated to the US from an Asian country with their parents at a young age), and 11 were 2nd generation (born in the US to immigrant Asian parents). We included participants from diverse Asian sub-groups, including 6 (42.9%) South Korean, 4 (28.6%) Chinese, 1 (7.14%) Asian Indian, 2 (14.3%) Filipino, 1 Korean Chinese (7.14%), of which 3 (21.4%) also identified as parents. Methods: Participants were recruited through flyers and word of mouth. Semi-structured interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Three key themes were generated from this study, illuminating the evolving parenting practices among 1.5 and 2nd-generation Asian Americans. First, participants reported disempowering parenting received growing up, which was characterized as authoritarian/abusive, burdening (academic achievement, emotional caretaking, and parentification), culturally disjointed, disengaged (emotionally disengaged or generally uninvolved), and gender prescriptive. Second, participants described a shift toward empowering parenting, which values autonomy, “being on the child’s side”, culturally bonding/upholding, and emotionally engaged. Finally, at the intersection of the past and present, participants reflected on their relationship with their parents, and some made efforts to reconstruct these relationships. Importantly, while many participants expressed a strong desire to improve upon the parenting they received, they also acknowledged that the "voices" from their past experiences with disempowering parenting sometimes “crept” into their current practices. As many Asian Americans navigate their own childhood experiences with often disempowering parenting styles and strive to adopt more empowering approaches for their children, they face a unique set of challenges and opportunities, underscoring the critical need for culturally tailored parenting interventions to support this community.

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