Stories off the beaten path: Exploring the content and correlates of cultural deviation narratives

•The content and affective sequence of cultural deviation narratives was explored among Asian American and Latinx emerging adult college students.•Personal deviations were more common among Latinx participants, whereas professional deviations about selecting a college major and career were more common among Asian American participants.•Contamination in deviation narratives was related with worse adjustment.•Discussion centers on how the content and affective sequence of deviation narratives among Asian American and Latinx students can advance understanding of the good life in these groups.