Autonomy restrictions and desires in parent-youth relationships: Examining the role of immigration background

Abstract

Youth who perceive autonomy restrictions tend to have more conflicts with their parents and perceive lower support from them. This association between restrictions on autonomy and parent-youth conflicts and support may intensify when youth have stronger desires for autonomy. This study examined (a) the association of youth's perceptions of parental autonomy restrictions and their desires for autonomy with conflicts with and support from parents, and (b) the differences in autonomy restrictions and desires between youth with and without an immigration background, as well as (c) whether these associations differ for both groups. The analyses for this study were based on a sample of 975 youth in late adolescence and young adulthood (Mage = 18.12, SD = 1.94; range 16-25; 42% female; 29% with an immigration background). Results showed that perceiving more autonomy restrictions were associated with more conflicts and less support, especially for youth who reported stronger desires for autonomy. Youth with an immigration background perceived more autonomy restrictions and reported lower desires than those without an immigration background. Autonomy restrictions were not associated with parent-youth conflicts or support for youth with an immigration background, different from those without an immigration background. However, the interplay between autonomy restrictions, desires, and parent-youth conflicts and support did not differ significantly by immigration background. The findings underscore the importance of considering both youth's desire for autonomy and their immigration background when examining parenting behaviors and the parent-youth relationship. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).