Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the mediating effect of career related parent-child interaction in the association between parent-child relationship and career identity. In particular, this study raised a question about the dichotomous approaches of the independent self/interdependent self or individualism/collectivism. In other words, from the point of view of the individualism-independent self, affective bonding and filial piety between parents and child in Korea could be regarded as the previous stage of separation/individualization or a lower level of differentiation. Therefore, we investigated the effects of independent parent-child relationship, including the value of independence and autonomy, and interdependent parent-child relationship, including the value of emotional oneness and filial piety, on career identity. We also analyzed the mediation effect of career related parent-child interaction(parent-child career congruence process) on these relationships. Data of 509 college students were analyzed, and parallel multiple mediation analysis was performed. As a result, congruence by complementary process and by attunement process had been confirmed to have significant positive mediation effects between parent-child affective bonding on career identity. Authoritative filial piety had a negative direct effect on career identity, but mediating the congruence by complementary process and by attunement process had a positive effect on these relationships. In the case of independent parent-child relationship, the mediation analysis showed that both the congruence by complementary process and the congruence by attunement process fully mediated the association between autonomy-granting parent-child relationship and career identity. However, family intrusion had only been found a negative direct effect on career identity. On the other hand, the congruence by supplementary process did not have significant mediating effects between all types of parent-child relationship and career identity and it was found to have a negative direct effect on career identity. Based on these results, we discussed about cultural-universal and cultural-specific characteristics as well as limitations and recommendations for future research.