In our lab, we study adjustment and functioning of families and adolescents in both Korean and multicultural families. Earlier research has focused on understanding how Korean multicultural families and marriage immigrant women function and adapt to various sociocultural challenges. We have conducted research examining multiple facets of adjustment (e.g., acculturation, discrimination, process of family adaptation, marital satisfaction) and family functioning (e.g., ethnic socialization, childrearing, practices related to family life culture) in this population. We also seek to understand the role of families in adolescent adjustment and functioning across various contexts. We have examined how parent/family factors (e.g., family economic status, parents’ depression, emotional support and intimacy of parents, parenting, interparental conflict) influence adolescent social/emotional outcomes and subjective health in both Korean and multicultural families.

Currently, Dr. Chung is conducting a 3-year panel study (2017~2020) of multicultural adolescents to examine trajectories of their adaptation as a function of change in their familial and school contexts.