FACAI: Fostering Authentic Chinese American Intergenerational Connection Through a Game-Based Conversation Intervention
Penn collection
Degree type
Discipline
Subject
Intergenerational communication
Pilot study
Emotional well-being
Connection
Funder
Grant number
Copyright date
Distributor
Related resources
Author
Contributor
Abstract
Chinese American families often face intergenerational communication challenges shaped by cultural differences, language barriers, and contrasting values between immigrant parents and their Chinese American adult children. These gaps can create emotional distance, yet few interventions are culturally tailored to strengthen parent–child relationships in Asian American families. Parents Are Human (PAH), a bilingual conversation card game, encourages storytelling, reflection, and vulnerability across generations. The FACAI (Fostering Authentic Chinese American Intergenerational Connection) pilot study explored the feasibility and acceptability of PAH as a structured four-week intervention. Using a mixed-methods design, dyads of adult children (ages 18–29) and immigrant parents participated in weekly game sessions conducted remotely via Zoom. Pre- and post-intervention surveys assessed communication (PACS), connection (FACES II + closeness rating), emotional well-being (DASS-21, UCLA Loneliness Scale), and family conflict (Asian American Family Conflicts Scale). Feasibility measures included recruitment, retention, and session attendance, while semi-structured post-intervention interviews provided qualitative insight. Preliminary findings suggest high participant acceptability, strong feasibility, and anticipated improvements in communication, closeness, and emotional well-being. FACAI demonstrates promise as a culturally responsive, low-cost, and scalable intervention to foster intergenerational connection in Chinese American families and may serve as a model for adaptation in other immigrant communities.