Intrusive parenting and well-being among transracial adoptees and immigrants: the mediating role of Bicultural Identity Integration

A substantial body of literature points out the negative effect of intrusive parenting on a variety of child outcomes. Intrusive parenting has consistently been associated with negative consequences for children, and several studies have shown that this negative effect is often mediated by identity processes (Manzi et al. 2015; 2006). Yet little is known about the detrimental effects of intrusive parenting in children facing particularly threatening situations such as immigrants and adoptees. The main aim of the current study was to analyze the association between intrusive parenting and immigrant and adopted children outcomes. Moreover we tested the hypothesis that this link could be explained by the Bicultural Identity Integration (BII). Specifically, we examines the role of BII as a mediator in the association between intrusive parenting and two distinct measures of psychological adjustment: hedonic and eudemonic well-being. Participants were 121 internationally transracially adoptees and 139 immigrants, aged between 15 and 24 (all categorized themselves as Latinos). The instrument used was a self-report questionnaire. Findings highlighted that the BII played a mediating role in the association between BII and well-being. Results are discussed in relation to practical implications for preventive intervention with international transracial adoptees and immigrants.