Racial-ethnic socialization, racial discrimination, and internalization of the model minority myth in East Asian families

J Res Adolesc. 2023 Jun;33(2):458-468. doi: 10.1111/jora.12817. Epub 2022 Nov 30.

Abstract

Guided by the integrative model, this study investigated the moderating effect of East Asian American youth-reported (N = 143) racial-ethnic socialization (RES) in the relationship between the youth's experiences of discrimination and internalization of the model minority myth. The results suggest that there was a significant interaction between youth's racial discrimination and youth-reported awareness of discrimination on youth's internalization of the model minority myth (b = 3.52, p < .05). No significant interaction effect emerged between racial discrimination and maintenance of heritage culture on internalization of model minority myth. The findings offer several contributions to inform research, family, and communities in understanding the ways caregivers respond to youth's racialized settings, which also contribute to youth's positive outcomes.

Keywords: Asian American youth; family racial-ethnic socialization; internalization of the model minority myth; racial discrimination.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Asian
  • East Asian People
  • Humans
  • Minority Groups
  • Racial Groups
  • Racism*
  • Social Discrimination*
  • Socialization