Second generation South Asian Canadians: family or individual mate choice model adoption

Abstract

Family processes have been shown to impact well -being in various immigrant populations in Canada. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of individual choice and/or family choice model adoption of mate selection on well-being in second generation individuals. Our goal was to examine whether multiple moderators could account for the relationship between mate choice model adoption and well -being. Specifically, we examined acculturation alikeness and family conflict moderating the relationship between individual mate choice and well-being, and autonomy and family allocentrism moderating the relationship between family mate choice and well-being. Sixty-two second-generation South Asian Canadians completed the online questionnaire assessing their experiences in regards to the aforementioned variables. No significant moderating relationships were found. Subsequent mediation analyses were conducted based on preliminary correlations between mate choice model and all other study variables. Perceived autonomy was found to mediate the relationship between individual mate choice model and self-esteem well-being, as well as self-actualization well-being. Both heritage acculturation alikeness and less intergenerational conflict were found to mediate the relationship between family mate choice model and satisfaction with life well - being. Implications regarding the results of the study are provided for future research and clinical contexts.