The Role of Perceived Familial Expectations on Depressive Symptoms and Self-Esteem in Emerging Adulthood: A Cultural Analysis

Abstract

Asian and Latinx emerging adults in the United States typically hold stronger values and expectations regarding their duty to support and respect their families than their White peers. Yet, research has not fully explored how meeting familial expectations is associated with psychological well-being in these populations. This study examined ethnic-racial differences in perceptions of meeting familial expectations and their relation to depressive symptoms and self-esteem (i.e., positive and negative self-image) in Latinx, Asian, and White emerging adults. Participants were 1,223 students (51% female, mean age = 19.2) recruited from a state university in southern California. Results found that meeting familial expectations regarding personal responsibility was negatively associated with depressive symptoms only for Asian youth, and with negative self-image for all groups; however, the association was stronger for Asians. Further, meeting familial academic expectations was positively associated with positive self-image and negatively associated with negative self-image for Latinx and Asian youth.