Cultural values and romantic relationship satisfaction in Mexican adolescents: The moderating effects of parental psychological control and gender

Abstract

Introduction: Cultural values and parent-adolescent relationships may impact adolescents' romantic relationship quality. The goal of this study was to examine whether perceived mothers' and fathers' psychological control and gender moderated associations between cultural values (i.e., machismo, caballerismo, views of female virginity) and romantic relationship satisfaction in Mexican adolescents. Methods: Self-report survey data were collected from 213 adolescents (M = 14.59 years old; 50.5% girls) from two public schools in Mexico. All participants were in a romantic relationship at time of study, and reported on their age, gender, endorsement of cultural values (i.e., machismo, caballerismo, views of female virginity), perceived parental psychological control, and romantic satisfaction. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted on a romantic relationship satisfaction scale. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to assess interactions between cultural values, mothers' and fathers' psychological control, and gender on romantic relationship satisfaction. Results: Findings revealed adolescents who endorsed caballerismo reported higher relationship satisfaction. These associations were strongest for adolescent girls reporting low maternal psychological control and adolescent boys reporting high maternal psychological control. Perceived fathers' psychological control did not moderate associations between cultural values and romantic satisfaction. No associations were found between machismo, female virginity, and romantic relationship satisfaction. Conclusion: Adolescents' caballersimo values were linked to higher relationship satisfaction. Findings suggest that parent education programs in Mexico may benefit from teaching parents to instill values of caballerismo in their romantically involved adolescents. Additionally, specialists working with Mexican adolescent girls may help them reframe perceived psychologically controlling behaviors into attempts to communicate affection.

Intrusiveness and Emotional Manipulation as Facets of Parental Psychological Control: A Culturally and Developmentally Sensitive Reconceptualization

“…Limited evidence exists in the interaction between cultural values and PPC, but reported results call for more research on interactions. A recent study conducted in Mexico examined associations between Latinx adolescent beliefs on hypermasculine traits (Machismo) and treating women respectfully (Caballerismo) and PPC (Reid et al, 2019).…”

Latinx Adolescents' Assets, Risks, and Developmental Pathways: A Decade in Review and Looking Ahead

“…For example, when they commit the same offenses, Latinx and African American adolescents are more likely than White and Asian American adolescents detained in juvenile facilities (Padgaonkar et al., 2020). For female adolescents, problematic romantic relationships are associated with increases in anxiety and depression, especially for girls who endorse familism and cultural beliefs about virginity (Reid, et al., 2019). Older siblings can provide guidance and support in personal and academic contexts (Cruz et al., 2019; Delgado et al., 2019) and are a special source of support for undocumented youth (Morales & Consoli, 2019).…”