Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of shifting, or self-altering coping strategies, acculturation, ethnic identity, and marianismo beliefs on perceived ethnic discrimination among Latina Americans. The present study was based on the Multicultural Assessment-Intervention Process (MAIP) framework and Intersectionality theory. Based on a convenience sample of 548 Latina American adults, a hierarchical multiple regression statistical analysis with four steps for perceived ethnic discrimination was utilized. A one-way between subjects analysis of variance test (ANOVA) was also utilized. The results showed that Latina Americans who identified with both the Latina/o and White American culture, as well as those who identified with only the White American culture, appeared to experience more ethnic discrimination than Latina Americans who only identified with their Latina/o culture. In addition, results indicated that Latina Americans who engaged in more shifting behaviors tended to report having experienced more instances of discrimination. This suggested that when Latina Americans are in the presence of White Americans and shift their behaviors, such as the way they speak or shift between the language they are speaking (Spanish vs. English and vice versa), they are more likely to experience discrimination in their every day life. Clinical implications of the findings were discussed as well as implications for future Latina American research.