Bicultural Identity Developmental Models and Their Implications Among Adolescents and Young Adults in Canada
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Authors
Mittal, Megha
Issue Date
2024-02-02
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
bicultural , identity formation , young adults , adolescents , immigration , culture , identity
Alternative Title
Abstract
Through this capstone, I delve into the growing literature on biculturalism, identify gaps in current research, and propose future additives to bicultural identity models. One fact is clear: bicultural identity development models are still novel and in the beginning stages of research (Tran et al., 2024). Research shows that bicultural individuals may present their identity in many ways, such as through frame-switching, altering between the different cultural norms, or hybridizing to create one fused succinct identity (Berry & Hou, 2017). However, much of the seminal research still promotes a categorical view of biculturalism, overly simplifying participants' experiences. Current theories on biculturalism propose more complex and multifaceted views of bicultural identity models and integrate what we already know from research on seminal bicultural and identity models. However, many newer theories are simply proposals; they are yet to be studied in-depth and empirically supported through further research (Tran et al., 2024). Future research needs to consider bicultural experiences at a global level and the effects of political and social landscapes on biculturalism. Much of the current and seminal research views the bicultural individual as the leading actor in their identity development and internal processes (Davis et al., 2019). It pays little attention to factors outside the control of the individual, such as prejudice and discrimination based on identity presentation and mental health. A key takeaway is that in order to make a lasting impact, practitioners working with bicultural individuals must stay current on this topic, exercise trauma-informed care, and advocate for more inclusive policies for their clients.
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Citation
Publisher
License
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States
openAccess
openAccess