Psychocultural issues and defining events in the formation process of identity development in second -generation Indian -Americans
Abstract
This study explored the psychocultural identity development of 2 nd generation Indian-Americans through a phenomenological qualitative research design. One to 2 hour-long, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 5 male and 7 female participants who identified themselves as 2 nd generation Indian-American. Interviews were analyzed though a systematic qualitative methodology. The study elicited experiences integral to 2nd generation Indian-Americans' identity development. Specifically, challenging areas personalized by individuals during their psychocultural identity development and times in an individual's life that were expressed as significant or instrumental in their process of defining themselves Indian-American were researched. Findings from this study revealed 6 areas that challenge 2nd generation Indian-Americans. These areas include Growing Up in an Indian Community within American Society; Experiences of Oppression and Discrimination; Experiences in the American School System; Negotiating Matters of Dating and Marriage; Defining Indian-American Identity; and Discussing the Interplay of Ethnic Identity with Other Dimensions of Identity. Furthermore, a cursory identity model is presented for future research consideration. Finally, psychocultural identity development with these participants occurred throughout the lifespan and was not isolated within the period of adolescence.
Subject Area
Clinical psychology|Individual & family studies|Sociology
Recommended Citation
Chauhan, Rahul Vrajlal, "Psychocultural issues and defining events in the formation process of identity development in second -generation Indian -Americans" (2004). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI3134434.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI3134434
