Experiences of Bicultural Identity Negotiation for the Second-Generation Iranian/Persian American
[Thesis]
Jafari , Nima
Daneshpour, Manijeh
Alliant International University
2020
102
Psy.D.
Alliant International University
2020
This phenomenological study examines the experience of bi-cultural individuals and their sense of identity highlighting the experience of Iranian/Persian Americans living in the United States. The study interviewed twelve individuals that were of second-generation Iranian/Persian American decent. Individuals were provided with semi-structured interviews involving five main questions with several follow-up questions. Findings of this study surround concepts of Identity Negotiation, how individuals make decisions in impactful moments, and how they make sense of those decisions moving forward. This study highlights three main themes including: Iranian/Persian Identity, American Identity, and Hyphenated Identity. This study also explores numerous subthemes surrounding the Iranian history/revolution, culture in regard to religion/expectations/language, freedom, diversity, sports, and negotiating identities.