Cultural value similarities and differences among Asian American ethnic groups.

Abstract

Using data on 570 Chinese, Filipino, Korean, and Japanese American college students from 3 previous studies (1 published [B. S. K. Kim, D. R. Atkinson, & P. H. Yang, 1999] and 2 unpublished [B. S. K. Kim, 1999; E. C. Wong, B. S. K. Kim, N. W. S. Zane, I. J. Kim, & J. S. Huang, 1999]), the authors subjected 22 items constituting 6 value dimensions of the Asian Values Scale (AVS; B. S. K. Kim et al., 1999) to the following structural equation modeling procedures: confirmatory factor analysis, factorial invariance analysis, and structured means analysis. The results of confirmatory factor analysis provided support for a hierarchical factor model when this model was compared with 2 competing models. The results of factorial invariance analysis indicated that the meanings of the factors within the hierarchical model were conceived similarly among the 4 Asian American ethnic groups. On the basis of these results, a structured means analysis was conducted, revealing similarities and differences between the ethnic groups' adherence to 6 cultural value dimensions. Implications regarding psychological services for these Asian Americans are discussed, and suggestions for future research are offered.