Understanding Parenting Practices, Challenges, and Self-Efficacy among Korean American Immigrant Parents: Insights from a Community Needs Assessment

초록

Raising children in a foreign cultural context presents unique challenges for immigrant parents. This study explores parenting perceptions, practices, and self-efficacy among Korean American (KA) immigrant parents, with a focus on differences between Korean-speaking (KS) and English-speaking (ES) parents. A community-based, mixed-methods needs assessment was conducted in partnership with a KA community organization and Korean language schools. Twenty-two KA parents of children aged 0–5 years (13 KS, 9 ES) participated in surveys and focus groups. Independent t-tests were used to examine differences in parenting practices, child behavioral concerns, and parental self-efficacy. Thematic analysis was employed to interpret qualitative data. Compared to ES parents, KS parents reported significantly lower parenting self-efficacy, less engagement in positive parenting practices, and less quality time spent with their children. Qualitative findings highlighted language as a critical factor shaping parenting approaches, discipline strategies, and perceptions of parental competence. These results underscore the importance of designing culturally and linguistically responsive parenting interventions that address within-group differences among KA immigrant families, particularly to promote equitable early childhood development and parenting support. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

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