Dr. Su Yeong Kim on Cultural Stress and the Development of Executive Function over Generations in Mexican Immigrant Families

Executive Function and Culture through the lens of Dr. Su Yeong Kim’s research

The development of executive function an all-encompassing term for skills like memory, flexible thinking, and self-control, is crucial for success during adolescence. While biology certainly plays a part, Dr. Su Yeong Kim's research highlights how cultural stressors, particularly in immigrant families, influence this cognitive growth through both direct and indirect means.



The latest study (conducted by Dr. Kim), featured in Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications: Culturally relevant stressors as moderators of intergenerational transmission of mother-adolescent executive function in Mexican immigrant families,  zeroes in on Mexican immigrant families, where adolescents often grow up in settings characterized by economic challenges and a sense of being an outsider.

Dive into Dr. Su Yeong Kim's unique approach and see how it sheds light on how family stress impacts cognitive function

Dr. Kim and her team looked at 179 mother-adolescent pairs. All the mothers were immigrants from Mexico, living in low-income households in central Texas. Their adolescent children, mostly born in the U.S., were bilingual and bicultural.

The study employed standardized computer-based assessments to evaluate:


  • Working Memory

  • Shifting Ability

  • Inhibitory Control


Mothers also provided insights on:

  • Economic Stress (the struggle to meet financial obligations)

  • Foreigner Stress (the feeling of being "othered" due to accent or ethnicity)


Key Takeaways: What Dr. Su Yeong Kim’s Study Uncovered

1. Working Memory: Stronger When Foreigner Stress is Low

  • The working memory of teens closely reflected that of their mothers, but only when foreigner stress was minimal.

  • The findings indicates a supportive cultural environment boosts cognitive synergy between parents and children, particularly for skills that require sustained mental focus.

2. Shifting Ability: Heightened Under Foreigner Stress


  • It seems that high levels of stress related to being a foreigner actually strengthen the bond between mothers and teens when it comes to shifting ability, a crucial skill for handling life's unpredictability.

  • The study suggests that this cultural stress might “train” both generations to be more adaptable, showcasing a fascinating example of resilience that comes from stress.


3. Inhibitory Control: Undermined by Economic Stress

  • In contrast to the previous two skills, economic stress didn’t seem to affect how these skills were passed down through generations. However, it did have a direct negative impact on teens' ability to control their impulses.


  • It points out that when adolescents are living in survival mode, it becomes much tougher for them to ignore distractions and manage their impulses.


Why This Study Matters

This research carries significant implications for anyone involved with immigrant families, from teachers to policymakers:


  • Cultural stress goes beyond just emotional effects, it also impacts cognitive processes. It changes how teens think, concentrate, and adapt.


  • Executive function isn’t solely determined by genetics. Dr. Kim’s findings highlight how family dynamics, community environment, and social perceptions all play a role in shaping cognitive abilities.


  • Programs need to be culturally relevant. Teaching strategies for resilience in a culturally supportive setting could enhance cognitive outcomes for teens.

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