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Thesis
The exploration of ethnic identity through dance/movement therapy: a phenomenological study of 1.5- and second-generation Korean American young adults
Master of Arts (M.A.), Drexel University
Aug 2003
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00001793
Abstract
The purpose of this phenomenological study was to develop an in-depth description of Korean American 1.5- and second-generation young adults’ subjective, lived experiences in two areas: the experience of being 1.5- or second-generation Korean American, and the experience of exploring their ethnic identity—as experienced in a dance/movement therapy workshop structure that incorporates traditional Korean dance/movement forms. Growing up as children of immigrants, the 1.5- and second-generation Asian Americans often experience ambiguity, uncertainty, and tension about their ethnic identity. And this in-between existence causes isolation, alienation, anxiety, vulnerability and identity crises. Dance/movement therapy offers Asian American individuals an opportunity to experience their two different cultural identities and help them integrate those experiences through self-exploration and expression at a bodily level. For the present study, a dance/movement therapy workshop was designed to encourage self-searching and self-expression through creating movements and experiencing Korean traditional dance/movement. Six Korean American young adults participated in the study. Their subject experiences were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed by phenomenological method. The findings about being a 1.5- or second-generation Korean American experience include: feelings of not belonging to any specific identification; a sense of isolation associated with their ethnic identity; a sense of pride about Korean heritage and their Korean American identity; and bicultural awareness. Exploring ethnic identity through a dance/movement therapy structure workshop incorporating Korean traditional dance/movement forms allowed this population to search deeper within themselves; yielded positive emotional, cognitive gains; helped them to get in touch with the Korean culture. It is seen to be potentially beneficial as an intervention for people who are struggling for ethnic identity.
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Details
- Title
- The exploration of ethnic identity through dance/movement therapy
- Creators
- Minjung Shim
- Contributors
- Sherry W. Goodill (Advisor) - Drexel University, Creative Arts Therapies
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- ix, 128 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Creative Arts Therapies; College of Nursing and Health Professions; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991021230304304721