An exploratory study of multiple identities in East Asian American women who are attracted to women
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Ong, Diana Lei Lei.
An exploratory study of multiple identities in East Asian American women who are attracted to women. Retrieved from
https://doi.org/doi:10.7282/T32806CWExport
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TitleAn exploratory study of multiple identities in East Asian American women who are attracted to women
Date Created2012
Other Date2012-10 (degree)
Extentvii, 96 p.
DescriptionThis exploratory study examined the experiences of East Asian American women who are romantically or sexually attracted to women (EAAWAW). EAAWAW was selected as the most inclusive term for women self-identifying as lesbian, gay, queer, and bisexual. EAAWAW have previously been studied as a population that experiences unique challenges due to their multiple minority status. They have to navigate situations in which one or more of their minority statuses related to their gender, sexual orientation, and ethnicity are stigmatized, which might lead to psychological stress. Three main research questions were addressed in this study: 1) What are the challenges that EAAWAW face with regard to their sexual identity, gender, and ethnicity? 2) How do they deal with these challenges? Specifically, how might they utilize multiple self-aspects to manage stigma and stress associated with being attracted to women, East Asian, and female? 3) How do EAAWAW conceptualize themselves with regard to their identity and how does their self-concept vary across contexts? A qualitative analysis of nine semi-structured, in-depth interviews was completed using a grounded theory approach. Participants ranged in age from 25 to 65 and were all residing in the United States. The interview data were analyzed to uncover qualitative themes. These included the range of identities and roles with which EAAWAW identify, multiple minority stress, invisibility, conflict between sexual orientation and family and East Asian values, freedom from societal norms, positive discrimination, benevolent prejudice, social support, identity management, and cognitive reframes. Overall, despite the stigma- related challenges that EAAWAW experience, the individuals interviewed in this study demonstrated much resilience and a variety of coping strategies that allowed them to move between communities and manage their multiple identities. These findings are discussed as well as their important implications for EAAWAW, their families, mental health professionals, and the communities to which EAAWAW belong. The study suggests that these groups would benefit from an increased understanding of the nature of multiple minority stress as well as the variety of cognitive, interpersonal, and identity management strategies available to EAAWAW as they navigate different communities and contexts in their personal and professional lives.
NotePsy.D.
NoteIncludes bibliographical references
Noteby Diana Lei Lei Ong
Genretheses, ETD doctoral
Languageeng
CollectionGraduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Organization NameRutgers, The State University of New Jersey
RightsThe author owns the copyright to this work.
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