NCJ Number
235328
Journal
Journal of Youth and Adolescence Volume: 40 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2011 Pages: 620-632
Date Published
May 2011
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study examined parent's promotion of psychological autonomy and psychological control in Hispanic families.
Abstract
Mexican-American adolescents are at an elevated risk for adjustment difficulties. In an effort to identify parenting practices that can affect the adjustment of Mexican-American youth, the current study examined parents' promotion of psychological autonomy and parents' psychological control as perceived by Mexican-American early adolescents, and explored their associations with adolescents' adjustment in the context of acculturation. In fifth grade, 134 (54.5 percent female) Mexican-American adolescents reported on their acculturation level and the parenting practices of their mothers and fathers. In fifth and seventh grade, adolescents also reported on their depressive symptoms, number of delinquent friends, and self-worth. Perceptions of promotion of psychological autonomy and of psychological control were positively correlated. However, perceptions of more promotion of psychological autonomy and of less psychological control predicted fewer depressive symptoms 2 years later. Perceptions of more promotion of psychological autonomy also predicted fewer delinquent friends two years later. Finally, perceptions of more promotion of psychological autonomy predicted higher self-worth only among less acculturated adolescents. The study underscores the roles that promotion of psychological autonomy and psychological control may play in Mexican-American children's well-being during early adolescence. (Published Abstract)