THE QUALITY OF EXPERIENCE OF ASIAN-AMERICAN ADOLESCENTS IN ACTIVITIESRELATED TO FUTURE GOALS

This study explored the reason for the high academic achievements of A sian Americans by comparing the quality, of experience of Asian and Ca ucasian American adolescents. The Experience Sampling Method was used to record subjective experiences. Subjects were 34 Asian American and 392 Caucasian American adolescents in the 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th gra des. When engaged in ''work-like'' activities and activities important for their future goals, Asian American students reported more positiv e experiences relative to Caucasian American adolescents. The examinat ion of parental practices concerning children's academic activities in dicated that Asian American parents structured their children's lives to facilitate academic success, and at the same time, they provided th eir children with freedom (or support their children's autonomy) in ac tual academic activities. The internalization of cultural values was s uggested as a possible factor for promoting the educational success of Asian Americans.