The Influence of Parental and Self-Expectations on High-Achieving Asian American Women

• In Event: 61.082 - Outcomes of Acceleration

Abstract

Asian immigrant parents often hold high expectations for their children to excel academically and professionally. Filial piety and the desire to make their parent(s) proud can motivate these children to achieve but can also place undue pressure upon them. In this study, 34 female, Asian American alumni of two different early entrance programs answered questions related to academic and career outcomes through an online questionnaire. Seven of these women were then purposefully selected for follow-up interviews that explored in more depth the influence of their perceived parental expectations on academics, careers, and well-being. Responses indicated that the majority of women experienced high, at times “unachievable” parental expectations for academics and careers. Implications for well-being are discussed.

Authors

• Rachel U Mun, University of Connecticut - Storrs

• Nancy B. Hertzog, University of Washington