Mi vieja tierra, mi nuevo pais: An exploration of the relationship between idealization and devaluation and degree of acculturation in Latina mothers' descriptions of their country of origin and the U.S
Item
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Title
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Mi vieja tierra, mi nuevo pais: An exploration of the relationship between idealization and devaluation and degree of acculturation in Latina mothers' descriptions of their country of origin and the U.S
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Identifier
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d_2009_2013:cf6c27cca906:11678
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identifier
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12270
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Creator
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Vinocur, Malena,
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Contributor
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Denise Hien
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Date
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2013
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Clinical psychology | Acculturation | Hispanic | Identity | Immigration | Latinas | Women
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Abstract
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The literature on the acculturation of the immigrant provides evidence that the acculturative process can be taxing on the individual, creating stress and potential mental illness. Latino immigrants are a quickly growing and understudied minority group in the United States. The goal of this study was to discern and illuminate the complex psychological texture of how home country and country of residence are compared and described by a group of immigrant Latina women in the process of acculturation and formation of an immigrant identity. The study also aimed to explore whether those participants who were less acculturated would be more likely to idealize and devalue, or what is otherwise known as splitting, in their narratives. This study builds on the CUNY-IRB approved study "Family Support from Immigration to Work" that looked at the challenges and coping skills in the transition from immigration to work. Participants were first-generation Latina mothers whose toddlers were attending the Columbia University Head Start and Early Head Start Program. Data in this study included an extensive interview that probed for positive and negative associations to their home country and country of residence, as well as a demographic and acculturation questionnaires. Data analysis was guided by the principles of grounded theory which gives precedence to the participants' narrative and the meaning of their experience. The data highlighted the struggles and victories encountered in the process of immigration and the intricacies of acculturation as it relates to the Latina immigrant's changing relationship to both countries. Those who were less acculturated were found to engage in more splitting in their descriptions. In addition, four main themes emerged that helped describe the qualities of each acculturation group: (a) location of home, (b) reasons for leaving the COO, (c) the wish to return to the COO, and (d) expectations before immigrating. The findings of this research contribute to a greater understanding of Latina women's experience of immigration and acculturation, thus filling a gap in providing culturally-appropriate clinical interventions for this minority group.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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2009_2013.csv
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degree
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Ph.D.
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Program
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Psychology
