Date of Conferral
4-4-2025
Date of Award
April 2025
Degree
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
School
Psychology
Advisor
Kimberlee Bonura
Abstract
Immigrant parents experience challenges raising adolescent children, including cultural adaptation, language barriers, and generational differences, and how these impact adolescent development in bicultural contexts. Relatively little is understood about immigrant parents raising first-generation adolescents. The purpose of this study, grounded in Baumrind’s parenting style theory and Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, was to explore the lived experiences of immigrant parents raising first-generation adolescents in the United States using a qualitative phenomenological approach. This study employed semistructured interviews with 12 immigrant parents of first-generation teenagers aged 13-19, with data analyzed thematically to identify patterns and themes in participants’ experiences. Key findings revealed the importance of adopting authoritative parenting styles that balance warmth and control, fostering open communication, addressing challenges related to peer influence, and cultural adaptation. Parents emphasized the value of active listening and open communication while navigating external challenges. The study concluded that immigrant parents might benefit from culturally responsive support systems to address their unique challenges. Recommendations include implementing community programs that promote cross-cultural understanding and equipping parents with tools to strengthen family dynamics. The implications for positive social change include fostering healthier parent-teen relationships, reducing intergenerational conflicts, and supporting immigrant families’ successful integration into American society.
Recommended Citation
Hassan, Hala Mohamed, "The Lived Experience of Immigrant Parents Raising First-Generation Adolescents in the United States" (2025). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 17536.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/17536
