Unequal in Opportunity, Equal in Process: Parental Sensitivity Promotes Positive Child Development in Ethnic Minority Families

Most studies on parental sensitivity are based on Western samples, and the cross-cultural applicability of this construct has been subject to debate. This article reports on a systematic literature review on observational studies of parental sensitivity in ethnic minority families with young children. It shows that parental sensitivity is generally lower in ethnic minority families than in majority families. The evidence suggests that the main cause for this difference is family stress due to socioeconomic disadvantage. The review found little evidence for cultural explanations. Most importantly, the review shows that parental sensitivity is related to positive child development in ethnic minority families. Interventions attempting to improve ethnic minority children’s well-being should focus on both reducing family stress and enhancing parental sensitivity.