The aim of this study was to explore possible parent and peer influences on adolescents’ valuing of academics and intrinsic academic motivation in cultures varying in traditional emphasis on the family unit (Cuba, Canada, and Spain). Perceived parent and peer support, parents’ expectations, and valuing of academics significantly predicted adolescents’ valuing of education and motivation. Spanish adolescents were less motivated than members of the other ethnic groups. The Spanish participants also reported lower perceived parental expectations than Chinese Canadians and less perceived peer support than did Cubans and Chinese Canadians. Perceived social support from same- and opposite-sex friends predicted adolescents’ valuing of academics and intrinsic motivation most strongly in the Canadian sample. Cuban parents’ perceived valuing of academics predicted adolescents’ intrinsic academic motivation more strongly than in the other cultures sampled.

No abstract

The findings suggest that ADHD has major consequences on the family and peer functioning of Cuban children, which may lead to their referral for treatment.

Culture influences the acceptability of the overt expression of anger. In many cultures, overt expression of anger is considered legitimate for males but not for females. We explored the implications of anger expression among early adolescents in Cuba, expecting that overt, explosive expression of anger would be particularly maladaptive in a society that is collectivistic by virtue of both its cultural heritage and ideology. Given the sharp gender-role distinctions in traditional Latin American society, we expected to find more overt expression of anger by males. However, the analyses revealed no significant gender differences in anger expression. Overt expression of anger was significantly associated with multiple measures of maladjustment. Evidence that the inhibition of anger is associated with maladjustment was not as consistent, but holding anger in was linked with internalizing difficulties. Sociometric data indicated that early adolescents who demonstrate control of their anger are highly accepted and considered as leaders.