Parenting Beliefs and Physical Discipline Practices Among Southeast Asian Immigrants: Parenting in the Context of Cultural Adaptation to the United States

Abstract

Despite their growing representation in the U.S. population, little is known about parenting among Southeast Asians. This study explores child-rearing beliefs and physical discipline practices of first-generation Vietnamese and Cambodian immigrant or refugee parents in the United States, identifies ethnic group differences, and examines the impact of acculturation on parenting beliefs and the use of physical discipline. Analyses also document the extent of intergenerational transmission of physical discipline among these groups and identify factors that predict “breaking the cycle.” Significant predictors include ethnic group, socioeconomic conditions, and child factors. Greater acculturation to the United States increases the likelihood of breaking the cycle. Results illustrate how discipline practices and parenting beliefs may be shaped in the context of acculturation. This study offers important findings for research and practice with ethnic minority groups.