Title: Intergenerational Value Conflict and Psychological Stress among Vietnamese Youth: The Mediating Role of Personal Autonomy and the Moderating Role of Family Communication
Authors: Chieu Le Hoang, Ngan Nguyen Thi Thuy
Volume: 10
Issue: 6
Pages: 125-131
Publication Date: 2026/06/28
Abstract:
Vietnam's rapid social transformation has widened value differences between parents and children, with parents often emphasizing obedience and stability while younger people prize autonomy and mental health. Using a cross-sectional design, this study examined the association between intergenerational value conflict and psychological stress among a convenience sample of 428 Vietnamese youth aged 16-25, testing personal autonomy as a mediator, family communication as a moderator, and emotional support as a protective factor. Value conflict was positively associated with stress (? = .34, p < .001), most strongly in the academic and career domains. Personal autonomy partially mediated this association, family communication moderated it (interaction ? = ?.14, p < .01), and emotional support was independently and negatively associated with stress. The findings suggest that the psychological burden of value conflict may be lower amid open communication, emotional support, and a stronger sense of autonomy, with implications for school counseling and family-centered mental-health support.