Black Caribbeans’ Experience in Transitioning from Dominant to Minority Identity Status
Date of Conferral
10-11-2023
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Psychology
Advisor
Susana Verdinelli
Abstract
Black Caribbeans who are considered racially dominant in their native countries experience an identity transition from dominant to minority status when immigrating to the United States. Due to the United States assimilation culture, Black Caribbean immigrants are consolidated and expected to adapt to African American identity. Assimilation and consolidation cause Black Caribbean immigrants to transition their identity status from dominant to minority post-migration. Little is known about the experiences of Black Caribbeans' cultural identity transition. The purpose of this interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) study involved exploring Black Caribbeans' transitioning their identity from dominant to minority status. The acculturative stress theory was the theoretical framework used in this study. Data were collected through open-ended and audio-recorded semi-structured interviews with 12 Black Caribbeans. Interviews were analyzed using IPA procedures. The results of this study indicated that Black Caribbeans' cultural identity status transition is multifaceted. Physical environment, social environment, social status, and participants' cultural practices created substantial shifts in cultural identity. Internal and external factors such as cognitive reframing abilities and social interactions played a significant role in cultural identity transitioning, resulting in a positive or negative experience. Findings supported the need for social support from family and community members since stressors are inevitable in Black Caribbeans' cultural identity transition experiences. The results of this study have the potential to be used for positive social change in generating awareness and multicultural competency among clinicians who provide services to Black Caribbeans.
Recommended Citation
Mitchell, Carol-Ann, "Black Caribbeans’ Experience in Transitioning from Dominant to Minority Identity Status" (2023). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 14934.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/14934
