Access Type

Open Access Dissertation

Date of Award

January 2025

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Robert Ty Partridge

Abstract

Intergenerational storytelling about family history can shape personal narratives and foster resilience (Driessnack, 2017; Fivush, 2008). Development of the intergenerational self may be particularly relevant during specific life stages (e.g., emerging adulthood) or for those experiencing unique stressors (e.g., adjustment through immigration). The aim of the present study was to examine how knowledge of family history would impact psychosocial functioning in emerging adults. It was predicted that a positive relation would be identified between knowledge of family history and trait hope, flourishing, and other components of positive youth development, respectively. It was also predicted that a negative relation would be identified between knowledge of family history and depression, anxiety, and stress, respectively. In addition, the study explored the mediating role of perceived quality of relationship with parents and moderating role of immigrant generational status (i.e., first-, second-, and continuing-generation), predicting that the relationships would be strongest for first-generation immigrant participants. Participants included a national sample of emerging adults (N = 275; ages 18-29 years old), who were recruited through the online Prolific platform. Participants were asked to complete a survey including measures of all variables in the study. A mixed methods approach, with a cross-sectional, convergent parallel design was used to assess quantitative measures and qualitative questions. Quantitative measures included demographic characteristics (e.g., age, gender, race, ethnicity, immigrant generational status, adverse childhood experiences, living conditions checklist, attitudes towards mental health problems); knowledge of family history, including follow-up qualitative questions; psychological symptoms (i.e., depression, anxiety, stress); trait hope; flourishing; five components of positive youth development; and perception of quality of relationship with parents, including follow-up qualitative questions. Quantitative data was analyzed with standard and hierarchical linear regressions to test the hypothesized relation among variables. Qualitative data were analyzed from a phenomenological research approach as well as through quantitative analysis and integration after coding. Results followed predicted and unpredicted patterns, revealing mixed findings between immigrant generational status groups. Future directions and implications for supporting emerging adults, at large, and immigrant young adults, specifically, are discussed.

Download

Included in

Psychology Commons

Share

COinS