Journal of Early Adolescence
Volume 36, Issue 3, 2016, Pages 319-347

Longitudinal Associations of Language Brokering and Parent-Adolescent Closeness in Immigrant Latino Families (Article)

Tilghman-Osborne E.M.* , Bámaca-Colbert M. , Witherspoon D. , Wadsworth M.E. , Hecht M.L.
  • a The Pennsylvania State University, State CollegePA, United States
  • b The Pennsylvania State University, State CollegePA, United States
  • c The Pennsylvania State University, State CollegePA, United States
  • d The Pennsylvania State University, State CollegePA, United States
  • e The Pennsylvania State University, State CollegePA, United States

Abstract

Language brokering is a common practice for Latino youth with immigrant parents. Yet little is known about how youth’s feelings about this responsibility contribute to the parent-adolescent relationship. In this study, we examined the longitudinal associations between language brokering attitudes and parent-adolescent closeness in a sample of Latino early adolescents (n = 813, Maget1 = 12.32, SDt1 =.59), while taking into account language brokering frequency and the possible moderating role of sex. Results suggested that sex of the adolescent was a moderator. Specifically, younger males who felt closer to their parents had more positive attitudes toward language brokering, which dissipated as they aged. Furthermore, language brokering frequency had a delayed positive contribution to language brokering attitudes and parent-adolescent closeness, which was stronger for males than females. Results are discussed in terms of how age and gender cultural norms contribute to the relation between language brokering and parent-adolescent closeness. © 2015, The Author(s) 2015.

Author Keywords

Parent-adolescent relationships gender/gender differences immigration (generational issues) closeness/warmth Hispanic/Latino/Latina

Index Keywords

male intimacy female major clinical study immigrant language human gender Hispanic Adolescent
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84962485548&doi=10.1177%2f0272431614566944&partnerID=40&md5=025391eba02c24d967a99a0a85d65d59
DOI: 10.1177/0272431614566944
ISSN: 02724316
Cited by: 11
Original Language: English