Bicultural Identity and Self-Construal in-Family Among Indian American Emerging Adults: A Mixed-Methods Study

Abstract

Indian Americans are one of the fastest growing ethnic minority groups in the USA, yet little is known about how their emerging adult population engage in identity exploration and define self in the context of dual influences from a strong familial orientation and a strongly individualistic American social environment. Using a mixed-methods approach, the present study investigated bicultural identity—Indian (ethnic) and American (national) identities, and self-construal in-family in a sample of 196 18–29-year-old Indian Americans. Quantitative findings indicated that participants comparably identified with their Indian and American selves, construed their sense of self as more related than independent from family, and described family closeness as characterizing Indian identity. Age differences were found for self-construal and bicultural identity, and gender differences were found for self-construal. Qualitative findings indicated that participants had different definitions for Indian and American identities, experienced different expectations and values for independence and interdependence based on context, and viewed themselves as largely familial despite endorsing an American identity. Participants shared common conflicts and challenges that occur when they navigate between Indian and American influences. Together, the findings highlight the salience of both Indian and American identities and the centrality of parents’ influence in the self-definitions of 18–29-year-old Indian Americans. Learning about the unique underlying dynamics and challenges faced by this ethnic minority group as they navigate their self-construal and bicultural identity development provides insights in how to assist Indian American emerging adults as they manage and move between different cultures, value systems, and expectations.