Date of Award

Spring 5-1-2003

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Counseling and Human Services

First Advisor

Christy Coleman

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between married predominantly Hindu Asian-Indian women's attitude toward divorce and their acculturation in the United States. The final data set included a total of 66 participants (33 first generation and 33 second generation). These participants were administered The Majority Minority Relations Survey (MMRS), the Attitudes Toward Divorce Questionnaire, and a Demographic Information Questionnaire. Results showed on average, first generation participants endorsed more conservative attitudes toward divorce, higher levels of perceived prejudice by the majority group, and higher level of language usage in their native Indian language. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that acculturation added 15% to the explained variance in attitudes toward divorce beyond the other independent variables (generation, level of education, number or years married, and marital satisfaction) examined. Findings from this study provide empirical evidence to support the usefulness of acculturation in examining the attitudes of married Asian-Indian women in the United States. Several culturally specific practical considerations should inform psychologists' interventions with Asian-Indian women which include taking into account generational status, perceived prejudice, social customs, language usage, and the client's level of acculturation.

Download

Share

COinS