How expressive communication enhances intercultural sensitivity in Chinese undergraduates: The mediating role of quality intergenerational communication and the moderating role of parental warmth

• A direct and positive relationship between expressive communication style and intercultural sensitivity. • Quality of intergenerational communication acts as a significant mediator in the relationship. • Parental warmth moderates the associations between expressive communication style and attentiveness/engagement in intercultural interactions. In an increasingly globalized world, fostering intercultural sensitivity is crucial for young adults navigating diverse environments. While research has traditionally emphasized individual traits and direct cultural exposure, the role of family and community dynamics remains underexplored, particularly in non-Western contexts. This study investigated how expressive communication style, quality intergenerational communication, and parental warmth shape intercultural sensitivity among 310 Chinese university students. Structural equation modeling revealed a direct positive link between expressive communication and intercultural sensitivity. Furthermore, quality intergenerational communication mediated this relationship, while parental warmth moderated its effects on students’ attentiveness and engagement in intercultural interactions. These findings highlight the critical interplay of familial and societal factors in cultivating intercultural competence, suggesting that nurturing expressive communication within supportive family environments can effectively enhance students’ intercultural sensitivity. By integrating family dynamics into established frameworks, this study expands theoretical understanding and offers practical strategies for cultivating intercultural competence through accessible practices.