The purpose of the present research was to examine the use and the effect of parental control (i.e., behavioral control and psychological control) on risk-taking behavior among emerging adults by using a cross-cultural approach. Specifically, the current research aimed to examine the associations between parental control and risk-taking behavior as mediated by decision making processes. Data were drawn from college students from the U.S. (Asian American N = 164) and Taiwan (N = 156) by using an online survey.

Study 1 aimed to explore the cultural differences in the association and levels between parental psychological control and behavioral control. The association between the two forms of control was not significant among Asian American college students, while it was positive among Taiwanese students. Taiwanese students perceived higher levels of personal attack from mother and invalidating feelings from father than the Asian American counterparts. Compared to Taiwanese students, Asian Americans reported higher levels of perceived guilt induction and behavioral control from both mother and father. The findings suggest that although parents of Taiwanese and Asian Americans may both hold values and beliefs rooted in Asian culture, their parenting behaviors differ by the exposure to different host cultures.

Study 2 examined the levels and the associations among psychological control, behavioral control, risk tolerance for others, consequence consideration for others, and risk-taking behavior among Asian American and Taiwanese emerging adults. Taiwanese participants were more likely than Asian Americans to think about the consequences for others, and were willing to tolerate causing more risk to others. Behavioral control was negatively associated with risk-taking behavior among Asian Americans, whereas the association was not significant in Taiwanese. Psychological control was positively associated with risk-taking behavior in Taiwan, but this association was not significant among Asian Americans. Decision making factor (i.e., consequence consideration for others) mediated the link between psychological control and risk-taking behavior in both the U.S. and Taiwan, suggesting the similarity in the mediating process across the two countries. Study 2 suggests the importance of understanding cultural context when examining parental control and its influences in emerging adulthood. The implications of these findings are discussed in terms of the role of culture in studies of parental control among college students.