A Qualitative Heuristic Art Therapy Study of Biracial Vietnamese-European Americans and Identity Formation
This qualitative study explored the experiences of individuals who are biracial Vietnamese-European American and living in the United States. The purpose of the current study was to answer two research questions: (1) What is the experience of being biracial Vietnamese-European American and living in the United States? (2) How does the process of creating a collage help individuals communicate more about their experience of being biracial Vietnamese-European American and living in the United States? The researcher conducted semi- structured interviews with ten individuals who are biracial Vietnamese-European American and who participated in the art-based research process of creating a collage. All interviews took place in-person, and each began with the art process followed by a semi-structured interview. A phenomenological analysis of the data gathered revealed five distinct themes regarding the experience of being biracial Vietnamese-European American and living in the United States: (1) enduring discrimination and racism (2) ascribing to a dominant race/culture, (3) exploration and integration of non-dominant race/culture, (4) perspectives on Vietnam, and (5) a duty to help others. The study also indicated the power of collage as a means to visually aid in the understanding of participants’ identities and sense of self. Results imply the benefits of art therapy through the use of collage as well as a clearer understanding of the experiences of biracial Vietnamese-European Americans who are living in the United States.
Art Therapy, Self-Identity, Multiculturalism, Biracial, Counseling Psychology
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