FACAI: Fostering Authentic Chinese American Intergenerational Connection Through a Game-Based Conversation Intervention

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Interdisciplinary Centers, Units and Projects::Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (CURF)::Fall Research Expo
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Adult and Continuing Education
Subject
Chinese American families
Intergenerational communication
Pilot study
Emotional well-being
Connection
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2025-09-29
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Author
Chen, Belinda
Rong, Linda
Yu, Effy Zhiyuan
Contributor
Debby, Li
William, Xi
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.

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2025-09-15
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This project was supported with funding from the Penn Undergraduate Research Mentoring (PURM) program.
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