Parental Racial‐Ethnic Socialization and Competence in Asian Families

ABSTRACT Objective This study examined how Asian parents' racial‐ethnic socialization (RES) content with their younger children coalesces with their confidence in providing messages about managing discrimination. Background The COVID‐19 pandemic and ensuing rise in anti‐Asian discrimination in the United States prompted Asian parents to talk more about race, ethnicity, and discrimination with their children. Asian parents' discrimination experiences and internalization of the model minority myth may be associated with variation in the content of parents' RES and their confidence in RES with children. Method This study employed a person‐centered approach to identify subgroups of Asian parents of children (ages 6–12) based on their RES content and confidence, and how these patterns are associated with parental discrimination experiences and internalization of the model minority myth. Results Latent profile analyses revealed four profiles: High Confidence, Race Avoidant, and Integrated; High Confidence, Race Hesitant, and Asian‐Centric; Low Confidence, Race Hesitant, and Separated; and Low Confidence, Race Avoidant, and Low Engagement. Parents reporting higher discrimination experiences and internalization of the model minority myth were more likely to be in profiles that provide messages raising awareness of anti‐Asian discrimination while minimizing race and trying to imbue their child with cultural pride. Conclusion The largest profile promoted integration with the mainstream culture and other racial/ethnic groups; despite reporting discrimination experiences and higher confidence, these parents may have avoided discussion of race in an effort to protect their youth.