Intergenerational family conflict and depressive symptoms: The buffering role of cognitive appraisal

The present study examined the moderating role of cognitive appraisal (threat/harm and challenge) of the acculturative experience on the relationship between intergenerational family conflict (IFC), conflict between family members and children due to different cultural values, and depressive symptoms among Asian American college students. A total of 119 first-and second-generation Asian American college students completed measures assessing for perceived IFC, cognitive appraisal of the acculturative experience, and depressive symptoms. IFC was positively associated with depressive symptoms and threat/harm appraisal. Challenge appraisal significantly moderated the association between IFC and depressive symptoms such that those high in challenge appraisal had less depressive symptoms. Asian American college students who reported IFC experienced lower levels in depressive symptoms when they appraised their acculturative experience as a challenge. Findings highlight the importance of using culturally appropriate stress management interventions among ethnic minorities who may be susceptible to acculturative stressors in clinical and counseling settings.