Identity Formation and the Immigrant Experience

Voiceover

Presenter(s)

Renne Cabacungan

Abstract or Description

Immigration history is an especially prominent aspect of an immigrant’s identity. Immigration creates psychosocial changes which can impact how an individual is viewed by themselves and others. Immigrants develop a dual identity, drawing from both their new country and their country of origin. Navigating this binary lies at the heart of an immigrant’s identity development. The purpose of this study was to investigate the personal processes one undergoes during immigration in forming one’s new identity. Qualitative interviews were conducted with two participants of different nationalities. A life course theory approach structured the two interviews to create a comprehensive timeline of events and corresponding changes to how they viewed their identities. Both immigrants moved to America from their homelands. One participant was a female of Filipino origin, and the other participant was a male of Iranian origin. The poster will discuss common themes that emerged across the two interviews: culture shock, initial uneasiness, and adapting to new life through professions. Many differences also emerged in the areas of historical contexts and personal beliefs that created their own unique and distinct experiences. The results of this study are especially important in a time where immigration remains a very controversial issue. At a time where immigrants are often dehumanized in media, the findings can be used to emphasize the difficulties experienced by immigrants in their attempts at navigating between two different worlds and allow their stories to be properly represented. 

Mentor

Elizabeth Fein