A comparative study of parenting attitudes between three groups of Hmong using the Adult -Adolescent Parenting Inventory-2 Hmong version
Author(s):
Yang, Kao Neng
Format:
Thesis
Degree granted:
Ph.D.
Publisher:
Ann Arbor : Alliant International University, Fresno, 2006.
Pages:
189
Language:
English
Abstract:
This study explored parenting/child-rearing attitudes and acculturation between three groups of Hmong parents (N= 65) using Bavolek and Keene's (2001) Adult-Adolescent Parenting Inventory (AAPI-2) Hmong version, and Cappelletty's (1986) Hmong Acculturation Scale. Wave 1 (n = 37) consisted of Hmong refugees who immigrated to the United States between 1976 and 1993. Wave 2 (n = 18) consisted of Hmong refugees who immigrated on or after 2004. The U.S.-born group (n = 10) consisted of Hmong parents born in the United States. Significant differences were found in acculturation, with Wave 2 being more traditional than were the other two groups. A majority of Wave 1 (76%) was classified as alienated, as was 50% of U.S.-born. The three Hmong groups were significantly different in their parenting attitudes as measured by the AAPI-2. Wave 2 scored lowest among all three groups on the Inappropriate Expectations scale of the AAPI-2. AAPI-2 scores were significantly different between the four acculturation groups. Bicultural and traditional individuals scored significantly lower than did alienated and Americanized individuals on three AAPI-2 scales: Inappropriate Expectations, Parental Empathy, and Role Reversals. Moderate inverse correlations (.42 to .74) were found between the Hmong Identification subscale and all AAPI-2 scales. Age, number of children parented, and number of children living at home were inversely correlated with all AAPI-2 scales. Number of stressors reported was inversely correlated with the Inappropriate Expectations, Parental Empathy, Corporal Punishment, and Role Reversals scales. Total number of roles and responsibilities was inversely correlated with the Inappropriate Expectations and the Parental Empathy scale. A significant inverse correlation was also found between the Americanization subscale and Role Reversals scale. No significant gender differences were found. Because sample sizes for the groups were unequal and not demographically equivalent, and because language translation alone does not guarantee equivalent meaning and understanding of the concepts in an instrument such as the AAPI-2, this researcher concluded that the AAPI-2 should undergo much more scrutiny from a culturally sensitive perspective before being further considered as an assessment tool for maltreatment risk in Hmong parents.