title: Acculturation, communication patterns, and self-esteem among Asian and Caucasian American adolescents.
abstract: This study examined level of acculturation, openness in communication with parents, peer interaction, and self-esteem in two ethnic groups-Asian and Caucasian American adolescents who grew up in the same neighborhood. The findings provide evidence of significant ethnic differences in behavioral patterns, peer networks, family contexts, and levels of self-esteem. In general, Asian adolescents expressed more difficulty discussing problems with their parents when compared to their Caucasian counterparts. Further, self-esteem was found to be significantly lower among Asians than Caucasians. Implications for the provision of mental health services are discussed.
authors.affiliation: School of Social Work, California State University, Los Angeles, 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, California 90032, USA. srhee@calstatela.edu
authors.forename: Siyon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rhee
authors.forename: Janet
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rhee
mesh_terms: D000069:Acculturation; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology; D001213:Asian / Q000523:psychology*; D003142:Communication; D005190:Family / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology; D005202:Asia, Eastern / Q000208:ethnology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000208:ethnology; D015141:Los Angeles; D008297:Male; D010287:Parent-Child Relations / Q000208:ethnology*; D010379:Peer Group; D012574:Schools; D012649:Self Concept; D012647:Self-Assessment; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology; D044465:White People / Q000523:psychology*