Using Movement to Shape Identity in Adulthood as a Second-Generation Filipino American Woman

Abstract

This thesis reviews literature on the history of colonization of the Philippines and how it has an effect on identity formation for Filipino-Americans. The author identifies as a second-generation Filipino American woman and explored using movement to help shape her identity in adulthood as a dance/movement therapy student in training. In this autoethnographic study, the author discovered through an immersion process of attending local Filipino American community events and engaging in Philippine dance classes, an approach to strengthen sense of identity as a second-generation Filipino-American woman. The researcher examined how the results of this study can be integrated in the dance/movement therapy field and can be used for future research and education for working with clients of culturally diverse backgrounds.