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INFORMATION TO USERS This manuscript has been reproduced from the microfihn master. UMI films the text directly from the original or copy submitted. Thus, some thesis and dissertation copies are in typewriter fece, while others may be from any type of computer printer. The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. Broken or indistinct print, colored or poor quality illustrations and photographs, print bleedthrough, substandard margins, and improper alignment can adversely affect reproduction. In the unlikely event that the author did not send UMI a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if unauthorized copyright material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. Oversize materials (e.g., maps, drawings, charts) are reproduced by sectioning the original, beginning at the upper left-hand comer and continuing from left to right in equal sections with small overlaps. Each original is also photographed in one exposure and is included in reduced form at the back of the book. Photographs included in the original manuscript have been reproduced xerographically in this copy. Higher quality 6” x 9” black and white photographic prints are availd)le for any photographs or illustrations appearing in this copy for an additional charge. Contact UMI directly to order. UMI A Bell & Howell Information Company 300 North Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor MI 48106-1346 USA 313/761-4700 800/521-0600 WOMEN WITH MULTIPLE IDENTITIES: A QUALITATIVE SEARCH FOR PATTERNS OF IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT AMONG COMPLEX DIFFERENCES DISSERTATION Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy in the Graduate School of The Ohio State University By Heather C. Finley, M.A. The Ohio State University 1997 Dissertation Committee: Approved by Pamela S. Highlen, Ph.D., Advis W. Bruce Walsh, Ph.D. Richard K. Russell, Ph.D. Adviser Department of Psychology DHI Number: 9801687 UMI Microform 9801687 Copyright 1997, by UMI Company. All rights reserved. This microform edition is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code. UMI 300 North Zeeb Road Ann Arbor, MI 48103 ABSTRACT This qualitative study employed grounded theory to investigate the process of identity development for women with multiple minority status. Phenomenological inquiry provided insight into the role of spirituality in identity development. The Optimal Theory Applied to Identity Development (OTAID) model provided the theoretical framework from which research questions emerged and data were analyzed. The categorical Multidimensional Identity Model (MIM) was juxtaposed against the OTAID to investigate the influence of environmental factors. The six women interviewed represent various racial and ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, socioeconomic statuses, and religious affiliations. Results supported OTAID developmental theory, but multiple identity development involved more complexity than described by the theory. Rather than one spiral process, as proposed by OTAID theorists, multiple identities appeared to follow overlapping, interweaving spirals of development. The OTAID model incorporates the role of the environment; this study illuminated how environmental influences are interrelated with developmental progress. Viewing data from both OTAID u and MIM perspectives provided a more complete picture of identity development. MIM categories overlapped with OTAID developmental phases, highlighting environmental influences on identity development. As individuals encountered oppressive environments (OTAID Dissonance phase) or sought strength from their reference group (OTAID Immersion phase), segmented identification with one aspect of identity typically occurred. Maturation, increased self-awareness, and deepening spirituality (describing the OTAID's highest three phases) were associated with intersected identification with multiple identities. Environmental factors, such as the role of parental affirmation, exposure to diversity in the community, availability of resources enhancing identity exploration, and overarching sociopolitical movements, contributed to multiple identity development. During childhood, for example, parental affirmation and the exposure to different types of people provided groundwork for expanding development. The degree to which a community (i.e., school, work, or neighborhood) reflected an individual's multiple aspects of identity was another impetus for development. Experiencing oppression and discrimination resulted in powerful emotional and cognitive responses and development of survival skills. Surviving through identity conflicts spurred by environmental factors brought increased awareness and deeper self-understanding. As OTAID theorists proposed, spirituality is an essential component of identity. In this study, deepening spirituality was associated with increased self-understanding, greater self-acceptance, and connectedness to all things residing within the universe. Ill Dedicated to the six women who shared their life stories, teaching us of their strength and will to survive, their humility in living, and their deepened spirituality. IV ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I am eternally grateful for Dr. Pamela Highlen's dedication to my growth as a researcher, therapist, and woman. As my teacher, research adviser, and mentor, she has offered tremendous support and faith in my abilities. Her insight and knowledge have been invaluable throughout my dissertation research, as well as my graduate career. Her lessons will remain in my heart. Dr. Rich Russell and Dr. Bruce Walsh have also provided wonderful feedback and encouragement throughout my graduate career. I am grateful for their openness to qualitative research and their undying dedication to students. Antonella Stimac provided invaluable assistance in transcription, coding, theoretical formulations, and horseback riding (that was an extra!). I am grateful for her dedication to this research. Carina Sudarsky-Gleiser and Susan Missler were qualitative research pioneers, whose models were extremely helpful. I also thank Carina, Pam, Yael Frank, and Lisa for coding transcripts, providing additional perspectives for data analyses. 1 am appreciative of the generous financial support provided by the Elizabeth D. Gee Grant for Research on Women and am honored to present research sponsored by the Women's Studies Department. Without the support of Lisa Marie Gerondeau — editor-in-chief, poet- in-residence, soulmate — my quality of life while working on this dissertation would have been unimaginable. Her poetic way of seeing the world reminded me of the importance of health and balance. Her constant love, faith, and encouragement helped me sustain the energy and confidence needed to complete this research. Her writing skills helped identify my passive writing voice; her integrativ e thought processes provided a sounding board and a fresh perspective when I reached blocks. Of course, my classmates and friends provided another source of encouragement and empathy. Sondra Crayton reminded me how healing laughter can be. She also paved the way, preparing me for upcoming experiences as a graduate student. Bev Tuel and Denise McGuire provided an outlet for playing, commiserating, and forgetting. Allison Fagan and her two main men offered both research advice and unique games of duck- duck goose. Neesha Patel and David Jones always greeted me with warm hugs and opportunities to sing a few bars with my underused voice. Michelle Pincince continued to offer words of encouragement across telephone wires. Karla Klein, Bobbie Celeste, Angela Hargrow, Bev, and Allison — from stats study group to generals to dissertation defenses — have provided stability throughout these challenging five years of graduate school. Thank you. Finally, throughout graduate school, throughout my life, my parents have supported my career ambitions. They have given me the aptitude and provided the environment in which I could reach my academic goals. VI VITA December 12,1968 .................. Bom — Milton, Florida May 1991.................................. B.A. in Psychology The University of Notre Dame Notre Dame, Indiana March 1994............................... M.A. in Psychology Specialization: Counseling Psychology The Ohio State University C olum bus August 1991- June 1993 ........ Assistant Residence Hall Director Residence and Dining Halls The Ohio State University Sept 1993 - June 1994............ Career Counselor Arts and Sciences Career Services The Ohio State University Sept 1994 - June 1995 ............ C ounselor Counseling & Consultation Service The Ohio State University Sept 1995 - Sept 1996 .............. Psychology Intern Dodd Hall Rehabilitation Hospital The Ohio State University Sept 1996 - Sept 1997 .............. Psychology Intern Veterans Affairs Medical Center Cincinnati, Ohio v u PUBLICATIONS Highlen, P. & Finley, H. (1996). Doing qualitative research. In F. Leong and J. Austin (Eds.) The Psychology Research Handbook: A Primer for Graduate Students and Research Assistants. Newbury Park, CA: SAGE. Finley, H. (1995). W hat Race Am I? (pam phlet available from Counseling and Consultation Service, 1739 North High Street, The Ohio State University, Columbus). FIELDS OF STUDY Major Field: Psychology Specialization: Counseling Psychology V lll TABLE OF CONTENTS Page A bstract................................................................................................................... ii Dedication i v Acknowledgments ...............................................................................................