Influences on Ethnic Identity Development of Latino College Students in the First Two Years of College

Abstract

In this qualitative study, I use grounded theory methodology to investigate the influences on the ethnic identity development of 10 Latino/a students during their first two years at a highly selective college. The findings indicate that two categories were salient in the first two years: Situating Identity (conditions: environment where they grew up, family influence and generational status, and self-perception of status in society) and Influences on Change (conditions: psychosocial and cognitive development). Conditions and subprocesses involved in each of the categories are discussed.