Relation of filial responsibility to the personal and social adjustment of Latino adolescents from immigrant families.

Abstract

A multidimensional model of filial responsibility encompassing caregiving activities in the home and perceptions of fairness was examined in relation to multiple self- and teacher-reported indices of competence and distress in a sample of Latino adolescents from immigrant families (N = 129, mean age = 16.8, 64% girls). Whereas most research of Latino adolescents has focused on felt familial obligations and attitudes, this study found that reports of actual caregiving activities were associated with higher competence for the sample as a whole and fewer acting out problems among boys. Perceived fairness was associated with lower levels of distress and moderated the curvilinear association of caregiving with behavioral restraint. High levels of filial caregiving predicted high levels of restraint, but only when the balance of give-and-take at home was perceived as fair. These results are consistent with a model that views filial responsibilities as a source of both personal distress and competence.

Family Obligation Values and Family Assistance Behaviors: Protective and Risk Factors for Mexican–American Adolescents’ Substance Use

“…Whereas family obligation values have been associated consistently with positive outcomes, the actual act of providing support to the family can be stressful. Most prior work examining family assistance behaviors has focused on how it relates to youths’ psychological well-being (Kuperminc, Jurkovic, & Casey, 2009; Telzer & Fuligni, 2009a), physical health (Fuligni et al, 2009), and academic adjustment (Telzer & Fuligni, 2009b; East, Weisner, & Reyes, 2006), and no studies to date have examined how family assistance behaviors relate to youths’ substance use. The little research that has examined family assistance behaviors suggests that it is both a stressful and meaningful daily activity.…”

Familism through a developmental lens.

“…Attitudinal adolescent familism has been associated with the perception of parents serving as legitimate sources of guidance and authority ( Bush, Supple, & Lash, 2004), such as for making decisions about dating ( Guilamo-Ramos et al, 2007). This perception of parents' legitimate authority leads to improved family functioning as well as positive adolescent outcomes, including less distress and more prosocial behaviors (e.g., Kuperminc et al, 2009). However, when Latino adolescents do not align with their parents on autonomy expectations, there is increased risk for parent-child conflict and greater psychopathology (e.g., Bámaca-Colbert, Umaña -Taylor, & Gayles, 2012).…”

“…Additionally, behavioral familism, as conceptualized as fulfilling familial obligations, has also been shown to predict the development of competence and maturity in Latino adolescents ( Kuperminc, Jurkovic, & Casey, 2009). However, although attitudinal and behavioral familism can often be protective, it can also result in detrimental outcomes in stressful contexts acting as a potentiating factor.…”

Mexican American Adolescents' Family Caregiving: Selection Effects and Longitudinal Associations With Adjustment

“…In contrast, other studies have suggested that youths’ family care yields developmental benefits, such as maturity, self-reliance, and empathy (Beach, 1997; Chase-Lansdale, Wakschlag, & Brooks-Gunn, 1995). Adolescents’ helpfulness in the home and involvement in general family household tasks have also been found to contribute to positive self-esteem and feelings of interpersonal competence (Beach; Call, 1996; Kuperminc, Jurkovic, & Casey, 2009). …”