The impact of acculturation on first-generation Puerto Rican women\u27s identity : an exploratory study

The purpose of the study is to explore and advance knowledge about the impact of the acculturation process on first generation Puerto Rican women\u27s identity. What is the impact of the process of acculturation on the identity of first generation Puerto Rican women? Do these women feel a sense of loss and how is it manifested in their daily lives? This study uses a mixed method design, qualitative and quantitative. The mixed method is not equally balanced as the emphasis was placed on the use of a semistructured interview. Thirty (30) first generation Puerto Rican women were recruited through snowball sampling. Difficulties with the English language and experiences with racism were identified as the most difficult parts of the process. These women were found to be Very Puerto Rican or Latino oriented. Despite changes due to the acculturation, their strong ethnic identity became a protective factor during this process