Pathways from non-Korean mothers' cultural adaptation, marital conflict, and parenting behavior to bi-ethnic children's school adjustment in South Korea

Abstract

We explored the pathways from attitude towards cultural adjustment (separation, assimilation, and integration), marital conflict, and parenting practices of mothers of non-South Korean families on their children's school adjustment in South Korea. One hundred-and-fifty-four Chinese, Filipino, and Vietnamese mothers and their children (3rd-6th grade) from Gyeonggi province participated in the study. Questionnaires measuring mothers' attitudes toward cultural adjustment, marital conflict, and parenting practices were administered to the mothers. We analyzed data using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). We found that mothers' assimilation and separation did not affect children's school adjustment. However, integration of the mothers had indirect effect on children's school adjustment through marital conflict and parenting practices. Acculturated mothers had lower level of marital conflict, which in turn had a higher positive effect on children's school adjustment. It is imperative that culturally relevant programs that enhance positive marital relationships and parent-child relationships among culturally diverse families be developed. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.