Women with multiple identities: A qualitative search for patterns of identity development among complex differences

This qualitative study employed grounded theory to investigate the identity development of women with multiple minority status. Phenomenological inquiry provided insight into the role of spirituality in identity development. The Optimal Theory Applied to Identity Development (OTAID) model provided the theoretical framework from which research questions emerged and data were analyzed. The categorical Multidimensional Identity Model (MIM) was juxtaposed against the OTAID to investigate the influence of environmental factors. The six women interviewed represent various racial and ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, socioeconomic statuses, and religious affiliations.;Results supported OTAID developmental theory, but multiple identity development involved more complexity than described by the theory. Rather than one spiral process, proposed by OTAID theorists, multiple identities followed overlapping, interweaving spirals of development. The OTAID model incorporates the role of the environment; this study illuminated how environmental influences are interrelated with developmental progress. Using grounded theory analyses, a pictoral model was created incorporating both the OTAID and MIM theories. MIM categories overlapped with OTAID developmental phases, highlighting environmental influences on identity development. As individuals encountered oppressive environments (OTAID Dissonance phase) or sought strength from their reference group (OTAID Immersion phase), segmented identification with one aspect of identity typically occurred. Maturation, increased self-awareness, and deepening spirituality (describing the OTAID's highest three phases) were associated with intersected identification with multiple identities.;Environmental factors--parental affirmation, exposure to diversity in the community, availability of resources enhancing identity exploration, and overarching sociopolitical movements--contributed to multiple identity development. During childhood, for example, parental affirmation and the exposure to different types of people provided groundwork for expanding development. The degree to which a community reflected an individual's aspects of identity was another impetus for development. Experiencing oppression and discrimination resulted in powerful emotional and cognitive responses and development of survival skills. Surviving through identity conflicts spurred by environmental factors brought increased awareness and deeper self-understanding. As OTAID theorists proposed, spirituality is an essential component of identity. In this study, deepening spirituality was associated with increased self-understanding, greater self-acceptance, and connectedness to all things residing within the universe.