Family profiles and perceived family influence on healthy lifestyle behaviors: A person-centered approach in young Asian American adults

This study identified latent profiles of Asian American (AA) young adults based on family connectedness, interaction quality, and shared activities, and examined their associations with perceived influence on health behaviors (diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, social relationships, and risky substances). Using survey data from 500 AA young adults (ages 18-35), Latent Profile Analysis identified three profiles: fragmented (11.2%), ambivalent (33%), and strongly bonded (55.8%). Strongly bonded individuals reported greater family influence on health behaviors-especially sleep, stress management, and social relationships, and stronger personal influence on family members' diet and exercise compared to the fragmented group. The ambivalent group showed limited influence, with most effects insubstantially different from the fragmented group. Findings underscore the importance of tailoring health interventions to distinct family profiles-leveraging strong bonds through culturally grounded programs, enhancing interaction in ambivalent families, and providing external support for those with strained family ties.