Immigrant youth of Indian origin: Generational differences in self-critical perfectionism

Abstract

A community sample of foreign-born first generation (n = 53) and U.S.-born secondgeneration (n = 57) youth of Indian origin (ages 18–25) was studied. Variables predicting self-critical perfectionism were perceived prejudice, enculturation, and communication difficulty with parents and their interaction with generation status. The differences between the two generations pointed to nuanced self-pressures of Indian immigrant youth, despite good academic standing and middle-class family income. Implications discuss counseling with Indian immigrant youth.