Predictors of perceived unfairness of familial obligations among Latinx adolescents.

Abstract

Filial obligations have been associated with promoting positive psychosocial outcomes in Latinx youth (Fuligni et al., 1999), but the promotive effects can be attenuated when youth perceive the obligations as unfair (Kuperminc et al., 2013). Despite its important role, little is known about what contributes to the perceived unfairness of filial obligations. The present study examined factors nested within the acculturative process (i.e., behavioral practices, values, identity, parent-child relationship, and acculturation gap) as predictors of perceived unfairness related to familial obligations among Latinx youth. Results indicated that the endorsement of mainstream cultural practices and values as well as greater acculturation gap conflict were associated with higher perceptions of unfairness. Future studies would benefit from considering the acculturative context of the sample and focusing on familial dynamics to better understand perceptions of unfairness and its impacts on psychological outcomes. Public Significance StatementDiscrepancies between Latinx youth and their parents in American mainstream cultural values are associated with youth perceiving their filial obligations as more unfair and burdensome. Given this, providing avenues for recognition and reciprocation of filial obligations within Latinx families might play a key role in reducing conflict that might be stemming from different endorsements of cultural values.