Degree Date
7-2020
Document Type
Dissertation - Public Access
Degree Name
Psy.D. Doctor of Clinical Psychology
Academic Discipline
Clinical Psychology
First Advisor
Patricia S. Dixon, Psy.D.
Second Advisor
Lisa Costas, Ph.D.
Third Advisor
Elizabeth Lane, Ph.D.
Abstract
This study explored feelings of cultural homelessness, self-esteem, and skin color satisfaction among Latinxs. A close interest was placed in examining responses of participants who identified as racially Black or Afro-Latinx. Through an electronic survey, the study aimed to answer the four research questions: (1) Is there a correlation between cultural homelessness, self-esteem, and skin color satisfaction; (2) Do participants of different self-perceived skin colors differ in self-esteem, cultural homelessness, and skin color satisfaction; (3) Does age moderate the relationship between self-perceived skin color and self-esteem; and (4) Does age moderate the relationship between self-perceived skin color and cultural homelessness. Through a qualitative lens, the study was also interested in attitudes and preferences related to participants’ race, ethnicity, and self-perceived skin color. In the final sample of 654, analyses revealed: (1) a statistically significant relationship among the primary variables; (2) a statistically significant difference among the three skin colors for skin color satisfaction; and (3) participants who reported having self-perceived dark skin color endorsed higher rates of skin color satisfaction compared to those with self-perceived light and medium skin color. These results may imply that (1) group-belonging, psychological well-being, and self-perception are intertwined experiences that should be taken into consideration, particularly in the Latinx collectivistic culture; (2) that Black Latinxs consistently endorse terms that acknowledge their African heritage, such as Afro-Latinx; and (3) individuals of darker skin have the ability to establish and maintain a positive sense of self even when faced with social factors, such as colorism and racism.
Recommended Citation
Almanzar, Josephine M., "Cultural Homelessness, Self-Esteem, and Skin Color Satisfaction Among Latinxs" (2020). Dissertations. 477.
https://digitalcommons.nl.edu/diss/477
Included in
Clinical Psychology Commons, Community Psychology Commons, Counseling Psychology Commons, Multicultural Psychology Commons, Other Psychology Commons, Personality and Social Contexts Commons, Race and Ethnicity Commons, Social Psychology Commons, Social Psychology and Interaction Commons, Sociology of Culture Commons