Pei-Wen Winnie Ma

Exploratory Studies on the Effects of a Career Exploration Group for Urban Chinese Immigrant Youth.

Two studies evaluating a school-based, culturally responsive career exploration and assessment group for low-income, urban Chinese immigrant youth are described. Mixed qualitative and quantitative methods compared the treatment (CEDAR group) versus the control group (no intervention). In Study 1, CEDAR group participants reported a significant decrease in career indecision; increases in academic, career, and college help seeking; and career decision-making self-efficacy at posttest compared to the control group. In Study 2, CEDAR group participants reported a significant increase in career decision making; decreases in career counseling stigma and value, collective self esteem, and affirmation and belonging in ethnic identity at posttest compared to the control group. Qualitative data from Study 1 and 2 revealed that participants had experienced an increased sense of social support, self-regard, self-knowledge, and learned practical career skills after participating in the CEDAR group. Implications for future research in career assessment and program development are discussed.

Managing Family Conflict Over Career Decisions The Experience of Asian Americans

Conflict over career decisions is a main source of intergenerational conflict among Asian American families. This qualitative study explored the topic using consensual qualitative research methodology in a sample of eight Asian Americans. Results indicated that participants experienced feelings of guilt and indebtedness due to conflicting values, traditions, and expectations. Most participants dealt with parental disapproval regarding their career choice by seeking advice from friends and relatives. Participants employed many strategies to earn approval such as educating parents about their chosen career, seeking honors, and compromising between personal desires and parental expectations. Implications for career counseling and research are discussed.

Work and Gender Roles among East Asian Immigrant Women in the United States

Asians are the second fastest growing ethnic minority group in the United States (U.S. Census Bureau, 2012a) and are projected to more than double between 2012 and 2060 – growing to 34.4 million and making up 8 percent of the total population (U.S. Census Bureau, 2011). In a report released by the Pew Research Center, Asians accounted for 25 percent of all the first-generation immigrants in 2012, of which 54 percent are women (Cohn, 2013). The majority of the recent immigrants come from the People’s Republic of China (or referred as mainland China) and reside in urban cities, including Los Angeles, California and New York City (McCabe, 2012), where their children attend urban public schools (Fix & Capps, 2005). In spite of their rapid population growth, psychological research on Asian immigrants – especially those of recent immigration status and of women – remains scant (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2001). Within the limited literature relevant to this population, there are even fewer studies exploring East Asian immigrant women’s experience of employment and gender roles, two aspects that are salient to their identity development and mental health.