“Preservation to Presentation”: Perspectives on Latine Identity

Scarlett Cruz

Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation

College: College of Liberal Arts

Major: BA.PSYCHOLOGY

Faculty Research Mentor: Nathalia Hernandez Ochoa

Abstract:

Adjusting to certain Western standards, particularly American ones, is a practice that many Latines experience upon immigrating to the United States. In passing on both these standards and those of Latine cultures, many children raised in the United States experience a cultural divide of ideas that may clash with each other. This study explored the effect this phenomenon has on Latine youth and their formation of a Latine identity while growing up in the United States. This study used a mixed-methods qualitative approach and two theoretical frameworks to guide the interpretation of the results: familism and colonial mentality. Five individuals participated in semi-structured interviews, and 30 individuals participated in a survey structured using scales of familism, colonial mentality, and other general questions. Main findings included the central impact language has on forming this identity and connection to the participants’ cultures. Family perspectives on mental health, as well as experiences of being isolated from their own families and cultures, shaped this formation of Latine identity. Most participants grew up with either strong cultural pride or an open curiosity about their heritage. This implies a widespread growth of decolonial attitudes within Latine families living in northern New Jersey.